Duval County Public Schools - Every Student. Every Day.

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At Duval County Public Schools, our vision for STEAM learning is to inspire and empower all students to become innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners. By integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into a cohesive learning experience, we aim to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among our students.

We envision a future where:

1. Every Student is Engaged: All students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality STEAM education that engages their curiosity and nurtures their passion for discovery.

2. Real-World Problem Solvers: Students utilize STEAM skills to address real-life challenges, applying engineering principles, design thinking, and artistic creativity to develop innovative solutions.

3. Experiential Learning: Hands-on, experiential learning opportunities are abundant, allowing students to explore and experiment in dynamic, interactive environments both inside and outside the classroom.

4. Collaborative Partnerships: A strong network of partnerships with higher education institutions, industry leaders, and philanthropic organizations enriches the STEAM learning experience, providing students with mentorship, resources, and real-world perspectives.

5. Future-Ready Graduates: Graduates of Duval County Public Schools are prepared for the demands of the modern workforce and higher education, equipped with the critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Through this vision, Duval County Public Schools is committed to creating a dynamic and inclusive STEAM learning environment that prepares students to be the innovators, leaders, and change-makers of tomorrow.

STEM Innovation Center

The STEM Innovation Field Trip Center, launched in October 2022, offers a unique three-hour STEM/LEGO-based experience for elementary students, available two weeks each month. Its dual purpose is to introduce teachers and students to the technology available through the STEM Innovation Center's Technology Lending Library and to help teachers implement these programs by providing initial training. The center primarily serves elementary grades, offering sessions that include 1½ hours of LEGO Robotics and 1½ hours of LEGO Math/Science kits or Drones. In its first year, the center operated for 39 days, accommodating 65 classes and 1,395 students. The field trip experience allows groups of up to 25 students to engage in both a LEGO Lab and a STEM Lab, with various coding, engineering, and hands-on STEM activities tailored to different grade levels.

The Simulation Station: Inspiring Future Innovators in Modeling and Simulation

The Simulation Station is an innovative mobile educational trailer designed to ignite curiosity and passion for careers in modeling and simulation among middle school students. This state-of-the-art trailer travels to various schools, providing an immersive and interactive learning experience that showcases the exciting world of simulation technology.

Inside The Simulation Station, students are greeted with cutting-edge simulation tools and technology that allow them to explore real-world scenarios and complex systems in a controlled, virtual environment. They can engage in hands-on activities, such as building and testing virtual models and solving problems using simulation software. These experiences not only make learning fun and engaging but also demonstrate the practical applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts.

The trailer is equipped with high-performance computersand interactive displays that guide students through various simulation exercises. Knowledgeable instructors are on hand to provide guidance, answer questions, and inspire students by sharing their own experiences and career paths in the field of modeling and simulation.

The Simulation Station aims to:

1. Spark Interest in STEM: By exposing students to the fascinating world of modeling and simulation, The Simulation Station encourages them to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields.

2. Enhance Learning: The interactive and hands-on nature of the simulations helps students understand complex concepts and see the relevance of their classroom learning in real-world applications.

3. Build Skills: Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that are essential for success in the 21st-century workforce.

4. Promote Career Awareness: Through engaging demonstrations and personal interactions, students gain insight into various career opportunities in modeling and simulation, inspiring them to envision their future in these dynamic fields.

The Simulation Station is more than just a mobile classroom; it is a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and scientists. By bringing the excitement of modeling and simulation directly to schools, The Simulation Station ensures that all students, regardless of their background or location, have the opportunity to explore and be inspired by the possibilities of a STEM education.

The 4th Annual Robotics and Computer Science Festival

Held on March 11, 2024, the 4th Annual Robotics and Computer Science Festival was a vibrant celebration of STEM, featuring 28 schools and 400 students. One of the festival's highlights was the dance-offs with agile, four-legged robots, showcasing the fun and engaging side of technology. Students had the opportunity to display their work from computer science courses and afterschool robotics teams. They also interacted with cutting-edge technology brought by community partners. .

The festival featured eye-catching exhibits like robot dogs and 3-D printing, thanks to partnerships with organizations such as CSX, JEA, Haskell, hand2mind, and Stem2Hub. Engaging students in STEM education early is crucial for maintaining their interest and developing the necessary skills for middle and high school programs, ultimately leading to careers in important STEM fields.