The principles of STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, exemplify the rigorous cross-curricular, problem-based, real-world inquiry learning that is the fabric of St. Mary School across all grade levels.

As an extension of STEM learning, our Makerspace, equipped with state-of-the-art technology including a Dremel DigiLab laser cutter and 3D printers, and LEGO wall, empowers students through self-directed learning and encouraging innovation, critital thinking, and life-long learning.

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To learn more and schedule a tour with our admissions team, please complete the Admssions Inquiry Form or contact Mrs. Kimberly O'Keeffe at [email protected] or 440-286-3590 x170.

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St. Mary School in Chardon is the only Ohio Desigated STEM School in Geauga County

St. Mary School Chardon may appear to be a traditional Catholic school from the outside, but step inside and you will see inquiry-based learning and students engaged with STEM all around.  St. Mary School Chardon is the first and only school in Geauga County to receive the Ohio Department of Education’s STEM designation.

St. Mary School worked on the application process for a year and traveled to Columbus to meet with the STEM Committee to achieve the designation. This process helped St. Mary School to further solidify its teaching and plans for continued learning adventures in the future. The Ohio STEM Learning Network committee consists of the superintendent of public instruction, representatives from the departments of Higher Education and Development, and four appointed members of the public with expertise in business or STEM fields.  
 
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are also used to form the acronym STEM--and they are a focus throughout St. Mary Chardon--but that is just the beginning of what makes a school a Designated STEM School. STEM pedagogy holds many educational values that St. Mary emulates--the first being that all students are STEM students. Utilizing Problem-Based Learning techniques strengthens everyone's educational experience. Teaching and implementing the Engineering Design Process helps young students understand the importance of a Growth Mindset. Students can comprehend that reviewing their work and making improvements does not indicate they were wrong initially--just that we all have room to grow.  Being able to effectively communicate what one has learned to authentic audiences is just as important as learning.  St. Mary Chardon students have multiple opportunities to communicate their learning orally and in writing. Partnerships between the school and community are essential to make the learning more meaningful. When learning about designing a building, who better to model than an architect who designs every day?

St. Mary’s Principal Julie Fedak explains, "STEM education is the intentional integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and their associated practices. It creates a student-centered learning environment in which students investigate solutions to problems, and construct evidence-based explanations of real-world phenomena. At St. Mary School, the engineering and design model has been adopted, which further promotes inquiry-based learning and critical thinking and prepares our students successfully for their future careers.”

The Department of Education states, “Designation of STEM schools is one of the reforms that puts our state at the forefront of education. Moreover, designation is how our state preserves certain core pieces of what we mean by “STEM.” … The sooner students see STEM values like critical thinking and problem solving, the sooner they can build the skills tomorrow demands.”
 
STEM Coordinator Meg Pawar says, “Partnerships within the community help to enhance the curriculum presented in school. Working with real-world experts helps our children know what is important in their future careers.”

Maureen Intihar, parent of an alum and current student,  said, “As a parent, I’m excited to see my children’s school keep a Catholic school identity but also push the limits of learning to the next level. My children not only work on the most relevant STEM content, but also continue to learn about service and spirituality every day.”

Over the years, St. Mary students have participated in many cross-curricular experiences that start with a problem and work towards a solution, utilizing all subject areas to do so. For example, when PTU was ready to update the playground, they asked for student input.  Junior High students used their Makerspace class to design surveys for each grade level, synthesized the data, and presented to a full PTU meeting. Students continued their involvement by creating a design-to-scale for the new equipment.

Lower hall students took on a “One Hall-One Book” exploration of The BFG by Roald Dahl to exercise STEM ideals. The elementary students worked to build ladders, test states of matter, and much more throughout their reading. All families were invited to step into the pages of the book, which were constructed and displayed throughout the halls of the school as a result of design challenges tackled by students in Grades K-5.

In addition, the entire school fused service learning and STEM into creating a miniature golf course for Catholic Schools Week. With Mrs. Merkle’s leadership, each grade designed and built a hole for the golf course and tied it to a Bible verse about service.  The school had a putt-putt golf outing and raised money for its sister school in Nicaragua. In these ways, learning, service, and fun are woven together with STEM.

All of these examples underscore the rigorous cross-curricular, problem-based, real world inquiry learning that is the fabric of St. Mary Chardon. It is an environment that is carefully and thoughtfully crafted by educators at weekly grade level meetings--and with an eye to taking advantage of teachable moments and real-life design challenges as they come.

St. Mary School has continually partnered with businesses and organizations to help bring STEM learning to the school. Through the STEM designation process, the school has also formed Curriculum and Governing Boards that ensure the school achieves its goal and that the STEM designation is thriving and a pivotal part of St. Mary School.