Innovative School Grant fuels creativity, hands-on tech in Grisham ‘STEM Den’

Grisham Middle School students are getting the opportunity to flex their collaboration, creativity and problem solving skills with the help of 12 science and technology kits as part of the campus’ Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Den initiative.

STEM Den, funded through a $100,000 Tier II Round Rock ISD Innovative School Grant, is a component of the school’s Innovation By Design “#InnovationNation” program that has previously inspired the creation of the school’s MakerSpace, StuDent Study Lounge and the use of Kano Computers.

The 12 kits, which range from Sphero programmable balls to littlebits electronic building blocks, are distributed through the library each Monday and are available for students and staff to work with throughout the week during Den, or advisory period. Grisham students are divided among 12 Dens and attend the class each day.

“Our STEM Den activities provide opportunities for students and teachers to co-construct knowledge by problem solving, creating and exploring a variety of innovative outlets,” Principal Paige Hadziselimovic said. “We are fortunate to have the support of our District leadership through the Innovative School Grant to continue our spirit of innovation at Grisham and challenge our students and staff with new skills.”

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Grisham focuses on the IB Design Cycle, which consists of students inquiring and analyzing, developing ideas, creating a solution and evaluating. With the help of the 12 STEM kits, students and staff are able to work together while learning new things and practicing the IB Design Cycle in an interactive way.

“STEM Den is really fun,” said Jerry DeBlois, Grisham sixth-grade stuDent. “The instructions leave a lot up to you so we get be creative and go where our mind takes us.”

The 12 kits rotate throughout the campus each week so students and staff have the opportunity to test out new technologies. Grisham Librarian Diane Hance said the STEM Den has helped spark an interest in other STEM activities on campus, like clubs with Instructional Technology Specialist Lori Lind.

“The STEM Den has opened our students and staff up to existing resources we have through the District,” Hance said. “We’re providing the knowledge and giving them a chance to try out these new technologies in a safe space.”