Speakers: Tim Wickard is the Principal of Stout Field Elementary School in Wayne Township. Brandon Gilliam is a 5th Grade Science teacher and lead Robotics coach.
The Scientech Foundation has provided support for Stout Field Elementary school to upgrade the infrastructure for teaching STEM subjects. Mr. Wickard and Mr. Gilliam will discuss the the historical impact this support has had, how it is impacting current programming and the vision they have for the school and the district.
Today’s Presentation
Program: How Scientech Foundation Support Has Affected STEM Education at Stout Field
Elementary School
Speakers: Tim Wickard, Principal; and Brandon Gilliam, 5th grade science teacher and lead robotics coach; Stout Field Elementary School, Wayne Township
Introduced By: John Rathman
Attendance: NESC: 80, Zoom: 21
Guest(s): Bernie Pierce, David Garcia, Betsy Spencer
Scribe: Benny Ko
Editor: Bill Elliott
View a recording of today’s Zoom presentation at:
Today's program 072224
Mr. Wickard:
Our school day begins with the students reciting a daily pledge: "I am happy, healthy, successful, loving, caring, and in every day and every way, I am getting better and I believe it."
The goal of the school is to show the students who they can be with the opportunities available to
them out in the bigger world. The school attempts to create conditions that contribute to the student's future success. Since many students come from disadvantaged home environments, their health issues such as vaccination status, food, nutritional needs, adequate clothing, etc. become the school's concern, and efforts are being made to meet those need . For example, an under-utilized park across from the school was renovated with funding from Eli Lilly. Afterward the school developed a soccer program to play on that ground. The school cultivates a learning garden; there are music lessons, and field trips have been organized to visit television stations, the Rolls Royce Training Center, the Pacer's training facility, etc. Many of these programs are supported by the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust.
Mr. Gilliam:
Let's begin with some historical background. In 2013-2014, Stout Field Elementary began a robotics program with three robots. Subsequently, six more were added with funding from the Wayne Ed Foundation Grant. With these assets and support from more teachers, a special robotic class can now be offered to any interested students regardless of their grade. SFE robotics and other STEM programs have found respective partners, such as Starbase, Rolls Royce, and Indiana Steel Fabricators. Through these programs, students are exposed to weather forecasts, air traffic control, automobile engineering, and robotic design. Exposure to successful adults outside of their homes and immediate neighborhoods also helped the students learn how to dress, look, and act appropriately in a work environment. Regular field trips have been organized to visit Purdue University to showcase an institute of higher learning to the students.
The first Scientech Foundation grant of $25,000 went to provide a STEM Lab for students K to 6 to engage in STEM activities and projects throughout their school day. The grant also allowed the purchase of a 3-D printer for their science lab. This equipment enables students to design objects with forethought and specific purpose. A second Scientech grant enables the robotics components to be updated, to newer and better designed batteries. It also allows younger students to begin their interests and participation in robotics.
The future goal of the SFE STEM program is to share the vision with other schools in Wayne
Township and teach other teachers how to achieve similar successes. (Project Lead the Way: Mr. Gilliam has accepted a position to promote the teaching of STEM/robotic programs in all Wayne Township schools.)
Tim Wickard Brandon Gilliam
