Poinciana STEM Elementary Magnet School

Description

Poinciana integrates STEM topics into all aspects of learning, including reading, writing, and fine arts. K-5 students are engaged in hands-on science and math activities in their classrooms, which are supported by the school's 4 resource labs: Science Lab, Math Lab, Technology Lab, and the Planetarium Classroom. The Science Lab has a variety of equipment uncommon to elementary schools, including computer-based probeware, digital microscopes, and a courtyard native plant area which is an extension of the lab. The Math Lab contains a huge variety of math manipulatives to help students understand basic number theory and problem solving at high levels. Poinciana's Technology Lab contains several types of Lego Robotics systems which allow students to design, build, and program their own robots and other machines. The Planetarium Classroom contains a 30 foot dome and full planetarium projector, as well as laptops and iPads which are used by students to simulate and record what they find in the night sky. Students participate in a variety of out of school field experiences connected to their in school instruction, including airboat trips into the Everglades, snorkel and lab trips to the Florida Keys, and trips to various local natural areas in South Florida. These experiences help students connect what they have learned in Poinciana's classrooms and labs to the real world.