Eastside Connections School

Over 100 Jr. Scientists were the first students to participate in the hands-on exploration program known as the STEM Academy at Eastside Connections School.

The students of ECS seem to thoroughly enjoy the scientific activities in their newly renovated Discovery Science Lab at Eastside Connections School, where once a week the students take part in a new adventure, allowing them to discover and engage in meaningful learning. They dissect, create, explore, discover, build and explode in an effort to learn through through STEM related activities.

STEM is based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

As part of the program the students of Eastside work side by side with national STEM experts - including presenters from the University of Notre Dame Joint Institute of Nuclear Astrophysics, the University of Notre Dame's DNA Learning Lab, Notre Dame Energy Project, Cook Nuclear, Southwestern Michigan College, WNIT-PBS, WNDU-NBC, Berrien RESA and many more. The program engages students in fun, hands-on STEM lessons, games, activities and contests.Through the STEM Club, students gain practical, team work and leadership skills, their confidence and engagement in STEM increases as well as their motivation to study STEM and enter STEM careers

Benefits of STEM Club
Provides opportunity for meaningful learning and for students to engage in science, technology, engineering and math in multiple ways and in a supportive and fun environment.

Builds knowledge and application of STEM content and processes.
Hones ability to collaborate with and learn from other students and from STEM professionals.
Builds interest in academic success and higher education.
Foster their interest in additional STEM learning opportunities and careers.

March Mathness: Math Night Seeks to Boost Love of Math for Students, Families
ECS held a family math game night for students and parents. During the event, over 300 ECS mathletes participated in fun hands-on math related games, crafts and activities designed to enhance the love of math for our students. "Math is the 'M' in STEM," said Joe Racht, ECS principal at the event. STEM stands for the integrated study of Science, Engineering, Math and Technology. "We are so thankful to all the ECS teachers and community members who participated in Math Night and engaged our learners and their families in fun, hands-on ways to strengthen math facts, and increase problem solving, strategy and critical thinking skills."