The STEM Portfolio

Objectives

1. What is the STEM Portfolio?

2. Why does it matter?

3. What is the point system?

4. What initiatives should I take?

“By the end of the school year all students will complete a digital

record of his/her journey as an ECCA student, highlighting

accomplishments and hurdles both on and off campus”

The STEM Portfolio

• Also called the STEM-Print

• This is the evidence that students collect and showcase to earn their STEM Endorsement at the end of their high school career

• It is a digital logbook (kind of like having your own blog) that highlights many of your achievements, self reflections, and class projects

• It is a crucial part of the Scientific Research classes

The STEM Portfolio - Introduction

• Each portfolio is created on your school account through Google Sites. Teachers in Scientific Research 1 provide a website template students for students to copy and use to easily log their entries, photos, and artifacts.

  • However, each writing sample, photograph, and other media needs to

    follow ethical/safety conduct for the Effingham County School District

    • Example, photos of an individual in hunting clothes is acceptable, but

      not them using a weapon.

The STEM Portfolio - Introduction

• All students are required to complete their points for 3 school years to maintain their STEM Endorsement status.

• At the end of each school year their STEM Portfolio will be marked either “Complete” or “Incomplete” by the STEM Educational Facilitator based on meeting required points.

  • Each year students obtain the minimum 20 points in different categories outlined on the portfolio. Majority of which can be acquired through the school (field trips, group projects, after school events, guest speakers, etc.)

  • Items that are worth points are pre-approved by a class teacher (always double check with them first).

The STEM Portfolio - Yearly Requirements

The STEM Portfolio - Point Requirements

• Extra points can be earned by completing additional opportunities

• Students who complete the mandatory 20 points per year by graduation will earn STEM Endorsement

• Students with the most points at graduation will be considered for

  Top-Endorsed Graduate

• Their diploma can also earn a “Capstone Seal” if they complete AP Seminar, AP Research and have a 3 or higher by College Board

STEM-Print Points

Each point falls into one of the 4 Learner Profiles

• Connect: The ability to collaborate productively with others and communicate ideas effectively in a professional manner.

• Create: The ability to think critically and provide viable solutions to real-world problems through iterative design processes.

• Contribute: Taking the opportunity to get involved, to learn, accept, and reflect on the variety of views and ideas of others as well as provide action that is productive and effective in contributing to a diversified society.

• Care: The ability to find value in sacrificing one's own time and providing unique skills and service to others in contributing to the success of the community.

Learner Profile Example - About Me

Student “About Me” Introduction

• Instructions:

  • Introduce yourself by stating your name, explaining why you are interested in STEM, and identifying your chosen pathway. Be sure to include any interests or activities you participate in outside of school (such as sports, hobbies, or clubs). Lastly, include a quote that motivates you.

  • Each post must also include a picture. For this assignment, you are required to upload an image of yourself.

• How does this fall under Connect?

  • Communication: Students are practicing how to introduce themselves clearly and professionally, which is an essential part of building connections in both academic and professional settings.

STEM Portfolio - Final Thoughts

• Overall, the STEM Print is an excellent opportunity for you to express your professionalism at the high school level. This will increase their successes in writing, community outreach, and resume building. (not to mention those recommendation letters from community partners...)

• These digital portfolios last forever, so students don't have to worry about forgetting what they've accomplished in the past.