What makes our STEM program stand out
STEM Implementation K-12-to-Career
STEM is a pillar to the WD approach to education and preparing students as functioning members of the community by being exposed to the increasingly technology driven world. Between the three STEM labs, every student is exposed to the career opportunities available with STEM.
STEM Promotion
STEM Day and other events throughout the year expose students on what is to come as
their educational journey in the building continues. Elementary students are exposed to
opportunities at the high school, and high school students are exposed to industry
employers looking for talent or mentorship opportunities.
Diversified Options for all Secondary Ed Students, College and Workforce Bound
WD hosts several different NLPS pathways that allow students to explore their interests in
engineering, digital media, cybersecurity, information technology, business operations, and more. There is not another school of this size offering such a vast array of career exploration
opportunities.
VEX GO Robotics
Tenth Street Elementary participates in the Anderson Community Schools VEX GO competitive robotics league, in which the robotics team meets regularly after school to build, redesign, modify, drive, and program a VEX GO robot through a series of timed challenges to score points. The top competitors from each school progress to a district-wide VEX GO tournament in the spring, where they compete for prizes and trophies.
Engineering Design Process
Students at Tenth Street Elementary receive regular hands-on STEM education in the form of design projects and challenges. Modeled around the research-based 5E model of STEM education, students investigate a phenomenon, design a solution, test their solution, and iterate their solution design based on results and feedback. In addition to providing solid context for understanding of scientific concepts, these projects help reinforce the Engineering Design Process in our students.
STEM Integration
Individual teachers use their own personal passions to infuse STEM into lessons at an additional level. Students take engaging field trips to farms, zoos, orchards, Mounds State Park, and other STEM related destinations. Other teachers have pets in their classrooms, raise chicks with support of the Purdue/4-H Extension, and tower gardens to grow food and cook within their own rooms.
Our Current STEM Focus
10th Street Elementary School is part of Anderson Community Schools, located in Anderson, Indiana. The school serves approximately 529 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, offering a diverse and engaging learning community. 10th Street Elementary is dedicated to academic growth, collaboration, and creating a positive school culture where all students can thrive.
10th Street Elementary School
What STEM means at 10th Street Elementary
At 10th Street Elementary School, STEM learning is a cornerstone of our commitment to inspiring and supporting every student to achieve at high levels academically, socially, and as responsible citizens. Aligned with the mission and vision of Anderson Community Schools, our STEM direction ensures that all students have access to high-quality, engaging learning experiences in a safe, orderly, caring, and healthy environment.
Our STEM approach is rooted in hands-on exploration and active learning. Through meaningful, inquiry-based experiences, students build confidence as learners while developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. STEM learning at 10th Street encourages students to ask questions, work together, and explore multiple solutions, fostering a growth mindset and a love of learning from an early age.
Teamwork and community are central to our STEM direction. Students learn to communicate ideas clearly, listen to others, and contribute positively to group problem-solving. These experiences help students develop social responsibility and respect for diverse perspectives while strengthening connections between learning and the world around them.
10th Street Elementary is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in teaching and learning. STEM instruction is intentionally designed to support academic achievement while nurturing curiosity and perseverance. Students are encouraged to take risks, learn from challenges, and see themselves as capable problem solvers and thinkers.
By building strong foundations in STEM learning, 10th Street Elementary School prepares students to become confident learners ready for future success. Students leave 10th Street equipped with the skills, mindset, and enthusiasm needed to continue growing as collaborative, creative, and critical thinkers throughout their educational journey in Anderson Community Schools.
