Shepardson STEM Elementary follows the Problem-based Learning (PBL) Model for STEM instruction delivery. PBL is a learning process where students are given the chance to solve real-world, authentic problems. Students study and research problems and come up with solutions.
Here's a quick snapshot of the problem titles and statements of the PBLs for the 2022-2023 school year.
Kindergarten - "Poop on the Playground . . . . Ewww!" (Spring)
Pet owners are letting dogs run and play on the school playground. They are not picking up their dog's poop! What can we do about this problem?
First Grade - "The Leader in Me" (Fall)
How can I be a leader to inspire good citizenship?
First Grade - "A Paradise for Pollinators" (Spring)
Pollinator populations are decreasing. How do we create a paradise for pollinators? What does paradise look like for pollinators?
Second Grade - "People in Communities . . . Live, Work, and Play" (Fall)
How do communities ensure that they have the necessary resources, services, and spaces for people to live, work, and play?
Second Grade - "People in Communities are Impacted by Erosion" (Spring)
How do people in communities manage erosion so that people are able to safely live, work and play?
Third Grade - "Goodnight, Garden!" (Fall)
What do we need to get the STEMs of Learning Garden ready for winter.
Third Grade - "Watchin' the Weather!" (Spring)
A variety of natural hazards result from natural processes. Humans cannot eliminate natural hazards, but they can take steps to impact their impacts.
Fourth Grade - "'Rolling Through Colorado's Past, Present and Future" (Fall)
How can 4th graders inspire others to learn about Colorado history by designing a road trip tour that is environmentally sustainable and economically feasible?
Fourth Grade - "What's Worth Protecting?" (Spring)
What's worth protecting? Humans affect the natural environment in many ways, often negatively affecting environment and animals. How can we use storytelling to persuade others to respect our land and resources and/or encourage work to undo damage that's been done to the natural environment?
Fifth Grade - "I'd Drink That Water" (Fall)
How can 5th graders test, evaluate, and improve water quality in the Northern Colorado watershed?