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Science, Technology Engineering and Math
STEM Programs in the Corridor
CANYON CORRIDOR CONNECTION | 11
Educat ion
STEM is the study of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math. During the next
decade, at least 70 percent of job growth
in the United States is predicted to be in the
STEM fields. To provide our students an edge in
the future job market, the Alhambra Elementary
School District launched a STEM initiative
in July 2010. We’ve placed a great emphasis
in STEM-related activities and programs
throughout our schools.
Hands-On Science
Alhambra brings science to life with a new
science program called FOSS Science. Rather
than learning about the wonders of science
through books, children explore their world
through numerous hands-on science kits
covering physics of sound, levers and pulleys and
even the life cycles of live insects and crayfish.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Thanks to the vote of confidence from our
community and passing a capital override
election, Alhambra purchased new technology
for student learning. Throughout the district, we
have 92 mobile carts with 32 laptop computers;
55 iPad carts with 32 iPads; and all classrooms
were retrofitted with new double-touch SMART
Boards: high-resolution projectors and document
cameras allowing teachers to revolutionize
classroom instruction and bring learning to
life. All students will experience direct learning
with this new technology, which is proven to
increase student achievement. Teachers receive
immediate feedback on students’ mastery levels
though the use of CPS responders and remote-
controlled hand-held devices. Students answer
questions electronically and results are shared
immediately with the teacher. In addition,
iPods are used in first-grade classrooms to assist
students with reading fluency.
STEM Clubs
Engineering is Elementary is a literature-based
engineering club for students in second-
and third- grades. During Engineering is
Elementary, students read a multicultural story
that presents a problem to be solved. Students
then use the design process to engage in the
engineering process as they help solve the
problem presented. Students are being prepared
and inspired to join a STEM career through
their participation.
Design Squad is a club to motivate fourth-grade
students to pursue careers in STEM fields by
engaging them in engineering tasks through
collaborative approaches.
Club members participate
in engineering tasks like
designing and wiring two
devices for motion, building
a circuit to power an alarm,
building a zip line that carries
an object and drops it on a
target and making a two-
wheeled car powered by a
rubber band.
MESA Club (Math,
Engineering and Science
Achievement) is an after-
school club for seventh-
and eighth- graders where students work to
complete engineering tasks and lessons through
a collaborative, inquiry-based process. Clubs
compete at a regional MESA competition
at Arizona State University, and statewide
competitions at either the University of Arizona
or Arizona State University.
STEM Showcase
The district hosts a STEM Showcase annually
to exhibit the talent of students in the STEM
areas. Students from around the district enter
projects for a district-wide science project
competition. The Design Squads will compete
in a competition where they are given a
final challenge and the designs are tested to
determine district champions. Finally, MESA
Clubs will display their prototypes developed
this school year and awards they earned at the
two MESA competitions.
• Mission: “To empower all students for the choices and challenges of the 21 st Century.”
• Vision: Washington High School provides an educational environment where
caring teachers and involved families foster academic, social, physical and
emotional development for all students while preparing them for future college and
career opportunities
• Washington HS serves 1,733 students from grades 9-12.
• Washington HS is part of the Glendale Union High School District.
• Washington HS is an A+ School of Excellence Winner, awarded by the AZ
Educational Foundation
Washington High School
2217 W. Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
623-915-8400
Look for a special feature fromWashington
HS in the next issue of the Canyon Corridor!
Glendale Union High School District
Washington High School: Facts & STATS
Principal Tami Strege