Empowering STEM Education in All-Girls Catholic High Schools
As the world continues to advance in technology and innovation, the importance of empowering young minds in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) becomes increasingly evident. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on promoting STEM education, particularly in all-girls Catholic high schools. These institutions play a crucial role in nurturing young women’s interest and skills in STEM subjects, preparing them for future careers in these dynamic fields.
Mercy Academy, located in Louisville, Kentucky, stands out as a pioneer in STEM education among all-girls Catholic high schools. While there are four such schools in the area, Mercy is the only one that is STEM certified. In fact, Mercy was the first all-girls school in the country to earn this prestigious certification. The school’s commitment to providing a high-quality STEM program has attracted students from various grade schools across multiple counties and even neighboring states, such as Indiana.
The journey towards STEM certification began in 2016 when Mercy Academy sought independent verification of the quality of its STEM program. After careful consideration of certifying agencies, the school chose Cognia, a reputable nonprofit organization that specializes in accreditation, certification, and improvement services worldwide. This decision was not merely for convenience but to align the certification with Mercy’s performance-based courses of study.
One of the key aspects of Mercy’s STEM curriculum is the emphasis on performance tasks that address real-world problems. For instance, in the engineering design class, students engage in an occupational therapy unit where graduates who have become therapists share insights into the profession. The students’ performance task involves designing a toy that aids pediatric patients in performing specific movements or learning skills. This hands-on approach not only enhances students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also connects classroom learning to practical applications in the real world.
Developing STEM learning partnerships has been instrumental in enriching Mercy Academy’s educational experience. The school has forged partnerships with 32 organizations across various industries, including General Electric Appliances (GE Appliances), Mammoth Cave National Park, CAST, NASA, and Texas A&M University. These collaborations provide students with unique opportunities to engage in real-world STEM projects, such as operating submersible drones, conducting environmental research, and participating in NASA’s research programs.
One of the highlights of Mercy’s STEM initiatives is the collaboration with GE Appliances, a local company that offers job shadowing and hands-on experiences to Mercy students through its SWiFT program. Additionally, GE Appliances has supported the school’s Engineering and Design class by providing tours of its facilities, developing curriculum, and offering co-op opportunities for senior students. These industry partnerships not only expose students to diverse STEM fields but also help them gain valuable insights into potential career paths.
Incorporating project-based learning (PBL) with makerspaces across the curriculum has been a cornerstone of Mercy Academy’s STEM education approach. By integrating hands-on, collaborative projects into various subjects, teachers can enhance students’ creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This holistic approach to learning allows students to apply theoretical concepts to practical projects, fostering a deeper understanding of STEM subjects.
Furthermore, Mercy’s focus on cross-curricular connections has led to innovative teaching strategies that bridge different disciplines. For example, the integration of algebra with chemistry classes enables students to see the practical applications of mathematical concepts in scientific contexts. By explicitly linking subjects like algebra and chemistry, teachers can enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of STEM disciplines.
The commitment to honing students’ STEM acumen is reflected in Mercy Academy’s impressive academic performance. The school’s test scores consistently surpass state and national averages, demonstrating the effectiveness of its STEM-focused curriculum. In addition, the science department administers a common assessment that measures students’ growth in essential skills over their time at Mercy, aligning with ACT college readiness standards for science. The data shows significant improvement in students’ scientific skills throughout their high school years, highlighting the impact of Mercy’s STEM education initiatives.
In conclusion, Mercy Academy’s dedication to empowering young women in STEM education is a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence and innovation. By providing a rigorous and engaging STEM curriculum, fostering partnerships with industry leaders, and promoting cross-curricular connections, Mercy is shaping the next generation of female leaders in STEM fields. As educators and students continue to collaborate and inspire each other, the impact of STEM education in all-girls Catholic high schools like Mercy Academy will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for generations to come.
