Shaping interest and building excitement in STEM

We can’t underscore the important role school plays not only in educating our children but also in helping them define their interests and build skills that can turn their passion into a future career. As the job market changes, Collierville teachers are nimbly adjusting their grant requests to ensure our students have access to above-and-beyond exciting tools and lessons that support growth in STEM fields. This is critical for our community’s future – according to The University of Texas at Austin, STEM occupations are growing by 24%, while other occupations are growing by only 4%. These grants will help young minds build basic proficiencies while igniting a spark that could lead to the next generation of STEM professionals.

Coding and robotics

Students at Crosswind Elementary will get hands-on learning with the addition of VEX AIM robots. Students will develop foundational coding and problem-solving skills, strengthen creativity and teamwork, and apply these skills in real-world contexts. These skills will ensure students start middle and high school ready for STEM and computer science opportunities. 

Robots that can “see” and react

Schilling Farms Elementary is committed to building strong STEM foundations for every student. With five VEX IQ kits and Vision Sensors and Pneumatics Kits added to the school's arsenal, students in third, fourth and fifth grades will have the opportunity to build, design and program robots that can “see” and move. This will not only help students engage in hands-on STEM learning but also help them develop teamwork skills. Students will program robots that use Vision Sensors to detect and sort objects and Pneumatics Kits to lift, grab or push. These robots will provide students with ample opportunity to explore real-world technology. At the end of their project, teams will present their robots and explain how their experience relates to real-world applications. 

Taking to the skies

With the “Sky’s the Limit” grant from CEF, students at Schilling Farms will design, build and launch model rockets. This project gives students the opportunity to experience all STEM concepts through problem-solving, experimentation and data collection. This grant will not only impact students in the short term but also in the long term. In the long term, the rockets, launch equipment and safety materials can be reused each year. Opportunities like these help give students the tools they need to succeed in a world where STEM is growing rapidly. 

Drones and flight mechanics

Fourth grade students at Schilling Farms Elementary can now dive into immersive exploration of the universe through building telescopes, model planetary systems and exploring the cosmos through augmented reality technology. In addition, the “Soaring into STEM!” grant will provide students with 30 drone kits, allowing students to learn coding, flight mechanics and engineering design concepts. Students will work in teams to pilot drones, navigate obstacle courses and program flight paths. Students will leave this project with real-world skills aligning with NGSS 3–5 Engineering Design Standards (ETS1). With STEM being a growing field, these projects will give students the tools they need to think like astronomers, engineers and innovators. Thanks to CEF, these grants are equipping students for the future of STEM and igniting in them a passion that can last a lifetime. 

As STEM fields continue to dominate the job market, implementing STEM programs and resources is more necessary than ever. 

If you are interested in helping provide grants like these next year, we encourage you to donate! Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page to learn more about our grants. 

Grants like these are made possible through the generosity of our sponsors! A special thanks to our sponsors who contribute $5,000 or more annually.

President's Circle:

• BankTennessee

• Collierville Police 

• IMC Logistics

• John Green & Company REALTORS^®

• Landers Ford – Kent Ritchey

• Orgill

• Town of Collierville

Benefactors:

• Boyle

• Crews Development

• Magnolia Homes

• Southern Security

Innovators:

• A-Team Roofing

• Choate’s

• Maximus Building Supply

• Patriot Bank

• Patriot Bank Mortgage

• Republic Roofing & Restoration

In Kind:

• Central Church