Pilot Knob Receives STEM Innovation Award
Congratulations to Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School for receiving the prestigious STEM Innovation Award from the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) and the Science Museum of Minnesota! This honor celebrates the school’s work integrating Native American perspectives into STEM education. Through initiatives like family mapping events, exploration walks, and staff professional development, Pilot Knob has blended cultural and environmental education with STEM learning.
The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA), in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota, has awarded Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School the 2024 STEM Innovation Award. This honor recognizes the school's integration of Native American principles and traditions with STEM education to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world around them.
Pilot Knob has incorporated cultural and environmental education into its STEM curriculum, developed by Pilot Knob STEM Specialist and Magnet Coordinator Michele Link-Valenstein and School District 197 American Indian Education Coordinator Nell Barri. The school’s approach connects Native American knowledge with STEM education, enriching students' understanding and promoting inclusivity. Key initiatives this school year include:
- Family Mapping Event: Students and their families collaborated to map science standards onto their school grounds, drawing inspiration from Native American culture and historical perspectives. This event fostered a meaningful connection between academic concepts and the surrounding environment.
- Exploration Walks: Each class participated in walks to explore the history of the land, connecting its past, present, and future to STEM concepts like landforms and ecosystems.
- Professional Development: Staff participated in professional development focused on supporting Native American students and understanding the historical significance of the land, including the history of boarding schools in Minnesota.
A Model for Minnesota Schools
These events have fostered a rich understanding of both STEM concepts and Indigenous perspectives, enhancing student engagement, building connections with families, and cultivating a sense of environmental stewardship.
“Pilot Knob’s innovative approach combines STEM education with cultural understanding, fostering a deeper appreciation for outdoor education and its connections,” said Michelle Krell, MESPA Executive Director. “Their program serves as a model for schools across Minnesota, showing how STEM education can be both inclusive and impactful.”
Congratulations to Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School on earning the 2024 STEM Innovation Award for their innovative approach to integrating cultural perspectives into STEM education!