STEM school teachers, foreground, meet in Kim Stanley’s English classroom as the entire student body, background, receives training from Apple technicians on the use of their new iPads on Monday on the first day of school.
Nick Gatlin isn’t much of a science guru and never liked science classes too much. But that’s something teachers and staff at Hamilton County’s newest school hope to change.
The county’s science, technology, engineering and math school welcomed its first 75 students on the first day of school Monday. Educators say the school will focus on STEM areas but also will fundamentally shift the way high school is taught.
“I think what kids are looking for is a new way of doing school that’s not boring,” STEM Principal Tony Donen said. “Hopefully by the way we go about attacking science, there’s a new interest brought about.”
Even the STEM school’s building is evidence of a different way of doing things.
Instead of concrete walls, low, cubiclelike partitions divide classrooms and hallways in the wide-open space at Chattanooga State Community College. Students and teachers all wear matching khaki pants and white polo shirts embroidered with “STEM.”