ST1.5

Students demonstrate their learning through performance-based assessments and express their conclusions through elaborated explanations of their thinking.

Self-Assessment: 3

Mater Academy students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their STEM learning through performance assessments. School-wide, Mater has developed a common grading policy so that every course has the opportunity to assess students through multiple activities including tests, quizzes, projects, presentations, and assignments. In the STEM classes, students demonstrate mastery through projects and research activities. Students engage in Bridge Building challenges, Robotics, Water Bottle Rockets, Roller Coaster Projects, Human Body System Models, 3D models, and presentations.

For the past 16 years, Mater Academy has participated in the South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Over the past 4 years, we have increased the number of project boards, research papers, and bridges we have submitted in response to our students. We are proud to report that in the 2018-2019 school year Mater Academy’s research papers placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd place at the district level. We also annually participate in 12 different SECME challenges including Robotic Hand building, FPL Generators, MATHCOUNTS Mathematics Bowl, Science Bowl, and Mouse Trap Cars. Prior to submission into competitions, our students must present and share their products to an in-school group of judges and reviewers.

Students involved in VEX Robotics not only build robots, but must also present their Engineering Design Notebook, their STEM Project, and share their thinking process with fellow student judges. Throughout the many iterations of robot building, students are asked to document their progress and justify the changes to their design.

One of our most unique programs at Mater Academy is our Genius Squad. Genius Squad is a group of students in the 6-12th grade who act as Tech Support Level 1 IT as well as Student and Teacher Technology Leaders. Genius Squad members learn the basics of tech support and repair; they work to maintain, clean, troubleshoot and track our numerous devices, and help with distribution and maintenance. They are the first group of students given access to new software and programs who will later then have the responsibility of learning the programs in order to run trainings for both teachers and students. For the past 3 years, Genius Squad has grown from a small group of 12 students to a full class of over 30 students. They are responsible for hosting Google Classroom Training for teachers, facilitating Spheros challenges for students, and even giving introductory Photoshop or coding classes to our after-care program.

Finally, students in all STEM classes, clubs, and Honor Societies showcase their work through our NOCHE DE CIENCIAS evenings. Since 2016, we have hosted at least 2 “Night of Science” events each year open to both parents, students, and even our neighboring elementary schools. Working in association with our community partners, students are able to showcase their learning and their passion for STEM through interactive stations, displays, and demonstrations.