STEM
In the interconnected fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), students are provided high-quality, culturally relevant, learning experiences. In HPS Science & Technology classes, students have access to and possess a sense of belonging in:
Engaged and networked communities of practice
Accessible learning activities that invite intentional play and risk
Educational experiences that include interdisciplinary approaches to solving “grand challenges”
Flexible and inclusive learning spaces supported by innovative technologies
Innovative and accessible measures of learning
Societal and cultural images and environments that promote diversity and opportunity in STEM
Science
Science—and therefore science education—is central to the lives of all Americans. A high-quality science education means that students will develop an in-depth understanding of content and develop key skills—communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem solving, and flexibility—that will serve them throughout their educational and professional lives.
Hartford Public School students actively engage in the practices of science and engineering in order to develop a deep understanding of the disciplinary core ideas and the cross-cutting concepts. As a result, they will develop the thinking skills required to be critical consumers of scientific information related to their everyday lives, engage in public discussion on science related issues, and continue to learn about science throughout their lives.
The Department’s mission is to prepare students to live meaningful lives as productive and scientifically literate citizens who are prepared to meet the expectations in college and careers by becoming critical thinkers, collaborators, communicators, problem-solvers, and innovators while demonstrating self-direction and resourcefulness.
Curriculum
Resources
CT State Department of Education – Science Dept. resources and links from the CSDE site
Next Generation Science Standards web site
CT Science Supervisors’ Association – The mission of the CSSA is to improve communications among science supervisors, teachers, administrators, … which it co-sponsored with the Connecticut Science Teachers Association.
National Science Teachers’ Association – The NSTA web site has extensive collection of information about the teaching of science.
CT Science Center – With 150 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, four educational labs, plus daily programs and events, the Connecticut Science Center offers endless exploration for children, teens, and adults.
NSF Resources – Resources and findings generated through educational research and development projects funded in part by the National Science Foundation
PhET Interactive Simulations – Free educational simulations covering a diverse topics designed by the University of Colorado available in various languages.
The National Science Digital Library – The NSDL is the nation’s online library for education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Technology
The Technology Department’s primary goal is to investigate the world of technology as it affects our daily lives. Courses provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and use technology in our global, technical society as informed citizens, productive workers, and wise consumers of products and services. Students will develop valuable insight through the use of a variety of tools, equipment, and machines including programming, 3D modeling & printing, information technology hardware & software and robotics.
Mission
The mission of the Technology Department is to provide students with authentic experiences in a challenging environment that will increase academic engagement; develop technological literacy, skill, and proficiency; foster leadership skills; and prepare students for post-secondary opportunities in education and the workforce.
Curriculum
High School Pathways
By 2024-2025, all schools in CT must offer computer science education. To meet this need, the STEM Department has implemented Exploring Computer Science, a foundational course for all high school freshmen which introduces concepts of computer science and fields of technology. From here students can make an informed choice to pursue an advanced technology pathway at participating high schools.
Technology Course Offerings in Hartford Public Schools
Refer to the table below to see which technology courses are currently offered by schools in Hartford. Note that some courses may not be offered each semester, so check with registrars/counselors when planning your course sequence.
Resources for STEM at Home
Code.org is the platform for our K-8 computer science & programming competency. You can view the content from the Computer Science Fundamentals and Computer Science Discoveries courses on the site as well as multiple areas to extend learning at home. Students can get a head start with Hour of Code activities and apply skills learned in class to make their own original projects in Sprite Lab, Game Lab, and App Lab.
SCRATCH is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.
Blender is a free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game creation.
Unity is a complete game development platform. Use Unity to build high-quality 3D and 2D games, deploy them across mobile, desktop, VR/AR, consoles or other platforms.
Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor; it can be used to create or edit vector graphics such as illustrations, diagrams, line arts, charts, logos and complex paintings. (Just like Adobe Illustrator… but free!)