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Welcome to our STEM Page!

Desert Mountain STEM Academy students work independently and collaboratively in an inquiry-based learning environment that encourages finding creative solutions to authentic and complex problems. My job is to provide a problem/task, and a supportive environment with high academic standards dedicated to maximizing critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration in the process of solving "real-world problems."  Students become the content teachers, and the teacher serves as a facilitator to their learning.

Engineering is a field that focuses on creating and using scientific and technological solutions to problems, such as machines, programs, or structures. It’s crucial for kids to learn about engineering because this knowledge can set them up for a good career. There are many types of engineers, so kids with a wide variety of interests may find that a future in engineering appeals to them. But even kids who don’t plan on becoming engineers can benefit from honing their research and problem-solving skills through study in this area.

Engineering Design Process

Up & Over Ultimate Challange!

Up and Over! (800 x 600 px) by Scott Sebranek

Video

RobotDanceParty.mp4

S.T.E.M. Links for Class

Newton's Laws (3) of Motion Video

Newton's Laws video/book.--You will need to open to a full screen to read.

SPHERO-Used for our robot.

Lego Education Prime Lobby--Use this to get onto the Lego Prime lessons.  I will tell you what to do!

How Stuff Works-HowStuffWorks explains the curiosities of our world, delving into everything from cyber security and housecleaning tips to the physics of black holes and the history of slang. 

Brain Games-Use your brain to solve these puzzles.

Marble Run-Create a track for a marble to run through.

Ready Jet Go!-A Kids Place Is Exploring Space.A

Smithsonian Science Education Center-Our games are designed with clear learning objectives, vetted by our team of curriculum experts, and are used by students around the world! 

Launch Ball-A great physics problem solving activity.

A Beginner’s Glossary of Coding and Programming Terms- Getting started with coding can seem intimidating at first because this field has its own terminology. But once you understand what these common terms mean, it can be much less daunting for people of any age to take up coding. 

DMS MTB Club Ride Schedule: 

  • Update...Still in the shop waiting for a $400 air spring.  They said they will get me a loaner bike, so maybe soon we can hit the trails?!

Tax Credit: Parents, you can donate up to $400 (please check AZ tax credit rules) to our MTB Club and get that same amount back on your AZ income tax.  It's a great way to help our club grow!

  • Click here to get to the confusing tax credit page.

  • If you don’t have a child at the school, you must create a guest account.

  • Then log in, shop “Items At All Schools.”

  • Select “Elementary” on the next page, and find Desert Mountain Elementary.

  • You must then click on “Clubs” and select Mountain Bike Club.

  • Enter your amount and other information.  Make sure to print receipt for Tax Credit.

  • Sorry if the page isn't that user friendly, but we do thank you!

Virginia Tech Helmet page: A resource to check for Helmet ratings to see what is safe!