In EPIC math, students learn through problem solving, discovery and inquiry based lessons. Recently Geometry featured a self-discovery lessonwhere students worked together to determine the Centroid Theorem. Students cut out many different sized and shaped triangles and had to balance the triangle on the tip of their pencil! Through trial and error and critical thinking students discovered a single point that acts as the balancing point for ANY triangle. Furthermore, students determined the reasoning behind why this point is the balancing point. Once students concluded that they were constructing three medians to determine the centroid then students were able to discover the relationship of these segments to solve problems!
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In EPIC Algebra II, students used an online graphing tool (desmos.com) to create a logo. Our engineering students used the logo for prototypes they built for the "What are you doing about water?" project. Our entrepreneurship students used the logo as a rough draft for a business that they later created using Adobe Illustrator software. Having a firm conceptual understanding of polynomial functions, students were able to manipulate their equations in the coordinate plane to create the shapes for their logo. Students were also challenged to write a complete description of the polynomial functions used. This included: the standard form, the factored form, identifying the zeros, multiplicities, and end behavior of each equation.
Mill Creek High School and the EPIC program were represented at the Georgia STEM Forum 2017 in Athens, GA this week. Carly Cantrell (Geometry) and Kelly Dyar (Engineering) presented "Project-based STEM: The Soda Maker Project" Tuesday morning. Ms. Cantrell and Ms. Dyar had the opportunity to teach a session to other educators from the state about lessons that have been learned through cross-curricular planning and project based learning. Ms. Cantrell and Mrs. Dyar were able to attend the Forum with funds provided by the Bosch Grant. Our Mill Creek teachers attended a variety of sessions including: zombie survival using calculators, using log books for STEM Projects, student created mobile apps, and bringing diversity into STEM. They are both excited to bring back their learning to Mill Creek so if you see them, make sure to ask about the STEM Forum!
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