Transforming STEM Education at Academy Charter School with NextWave STEM

Academy Charter School has always been at the forefront of innovative education, striving to equip students with the skills needed for the future. Academy Charter School is located in New York in three locations with six schools and has served 2100 families with a 96% graduation rate. In their quest to diversify and enhance their STEM offerings, they partnered with NextWave STEM. This case study explores their challenges, NextWaveSTEM’s solutions, and the transformative results of NextWave STEM's programs on student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall school success.

The Challenges

Before implementing NextWave STEM, Academy Charter School faced several challenges.

• Limited STEM Offerings The previous STEM curriculum the school primarily relied on was complex and not easily accessible to all teachers.

• Teacher Training Many teachers were not trained in STEM, making it difficult to deliver comprehensive programming.

• Student Engagement There was a need to increase student engagement and interest in STEM subjects.

NextWaveSTEM Solutions

NextWaveSTEM provided comprehensive solutions that addressed these challenges.

• Diverse STEM Programs

  • NextWave STEM offered a variety of programs that were easier to implement and more engaging for students.

• All teachers had access to our NextWaveSTEM LMS where they accessed the courses for their grade band in the areas of Robotics, Drones, Innovation, Hydroponics, 3D Printing, and Game Design 

• This was an improvement from the previous program because the lesson plans were comprehensive and easy to follow, making the entire experience pleasent and easy.

• Teacher Support

  • NextWaveSTEM methodology is designed to be straightforward, allowing teachers with varying levels of experience to effectively deliver the content.

• Each course includes a free professional development video that can be viewed asynchronously. It assumes the teacher has no knowledge of the strand of content, ie, robotics. It walks the teacher through the course.

• Each lesson includes a thoroughly stepped out lesson plan using the popular, researched-based 5E instructional design. Teachers receive a fully developed slide presentation with activities, questions and prompts for each slide, along with exit slips for most lessons.

• Engaging Content

  The programs included hands-on activities and real-world applications that captivated students' interest.

Easy STEM Implementation

The implementation process was smooth and collaborative.

• Initial Testing Academy Charter School first tested the programs with a small group of teachers and students.

• Feedback and Adjustment Based on feedback, NextWave STEM worked closely with the school to refine the programs and ensure they met the school's needs.

• Full Rollout The programs were then rolled out school-wide, with ongoing support from NextWave STEM.

"We appreciate the ongoing support from NextWave STEM, which has made the implementation process smooth."

STEM Program Results

The results were impressive and immediate

• Increased Student Engagement Students showed higher levels of engagement and enthusiasm for STEM subjects.

Improved Learning Outcomes

Teachers reported better understanding and retention of STEM concepts among students.

Positive Teacher Feedback

Teachers appreciated the simplicity and effectiveness of the programs, which made their jobs easier and more rewarding.

Overall School Success and Real Life Impact

Coding Competition Win

Academy Charter School recently celebrated a significant achievement by placing first in a regional coding competition. This milestone is a testament to the effectiveness of NextWave STEM's curriculum. The students demonstrated exceptional proficiency in various coding languages and problem-solving techniques, outperforming their peers from other schools. 

"We just learned last month that we are at the top rank of coding tests, which is a huge honor and a clear indicator of the success of Next Wave STEM's program."

- Paula M.

Greenhouse Project

One of the standout projects at Academy Charter School was the creation of a rooftop greenhouse, initiated as an extension of the Hydroponics program. Students began by learning the basics of hydroponics in the classroom and then applied their knowledge by transplanting their plants into the greenhouse. This hands-on project not only reinforced their understanding of plant biology and sustainable agriculture but also provided a tangible, real-world application of their STEM studies.

"We have huge lettuce and pepper plants growing in the classroom, and one teacher decided to maintain a greenhouse. It's been a fantastic way for students to see the practical applications of what they're learning."

- Paula M.

STEM Fair

The school's annual STEM Fair showcased the diverse projects students had been working on throughout the year. From robotics to hydroponics, the fair was a testament to the students' hard work and the effectiveness of NextWave STEM's programs. The event drew significant attention from parents, local community members, and even other schools, highlighting the innovative work being done at Academy Charter School.

"I took a lot of videos of the displays at the STEM Fair. The students were so excited to show off their projects, and it was clear how much they had learned."

- Paula M.

Teacher Collaboration

NextWave STEM's programs also fostered greater collaboration among teachers. For instance, the science teacher worked closely with the STEM team to ensure that the hands-on activities in the STEM program reinforced the concepts being taught in science classes. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhanced student learning but also created a more cohesive educational experience.

"The science teacher discovered that whatever the kids were doing in STEM was reinforcing what he did in science. Those two teachers have been working together closely, and it's been very beneficial."

- Paula M.

These real-life examples demonstrate the transformative impact of NextWave STEM's programs on both students and teachers at Academy Charter School. By providing engaging, practical, and collaborative STEM education, NextWave STEM has helped the school achieve remarkable success.

Conclusion

NextWave STEM has significantly enhanced the STEM education experience at Academy Charter School. By providing diverse, engaging, and easy-to-implement programs, they have helped the school overcome its challenges and achieve remarkable success in engaging its students not only in concept-based outcomes but also in real life outcomes such as competitions and greenhouse projects.