Liberty Local School District
Empowering Learning Through Technology
"Using MyStemKits has made my life a lot easier, and there are tons of different options for every grade level."
"Being able to 3D print our own pieces for our lessons has been awesome because the students think of it as new materials and equipment they get to use."
Installation Snapshot:
Cameron Hefner, Liberty Grades 4-8 STEM Teacher, has worked to incorporate a variety of Mimio solutions to enrich STEM learning including the award-winning MyStemKits STEM curriculum.
Students also benefit from the Labdisc All-in-One Science Lab, which utilizes sensor technology.
The Challenge
In Liberty Local School District (Youngstown, OH), the commitment to student success is unwavering. This diverse district, with almost 70% of its students eligible for free and reduced lunch, faces unique challenges. However, they have found innovative solutions to provide students with opportunities for growth, exploration, and the development of critical skills and future careers. At the heart of their educational approach lies a dynamic combination of technology, including the Mimio panel interactive display, Robo 3D printers, Mimio MyBot robots, Labdisc All-in-One Science Lab, and MyStemKits STEM curriculum. These technology tools have become essential in offering equal educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Key Solutions
Cameron Hefner, Liberty Grades 4-8 STEM Teacher, has worked to incorporate a variety of Mimio solutions to enrich STEM learning including the award-winning MyStemKits STEM curriculum. MyStemKits is designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible to teachers and students alike. It offers a comprehensive range of resources for different grade levels, making it flexible and adaptable to Liberty's diverse student body.
Hefner states, "Using MyStemKits has made my life a lot easier, and there are tons of different options for every grade level." This adaptability allows Hefner to adapt to individual student needs, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to excel in STEM subjects.
One of the standout features of MyStemKits is its ready-to-print 3D models. Liberty Local Schools has fully embraced this aspect of the curriculum, and it has had a profound impact on their teaching methods. The ability to 3D print their own educational materials has been a game-changer.
"Being able to 3D print our own pieces for our lessons has been awesome because the students think of it as new materials and equipment they get to use," Hefner said. The Robo 3D printers represent something new and exciting and students perceive them as valuable additions to their learning experience. When they see what can be done with the Robo 3D, it sparks their curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Students also benefit from the Labdisc All-in-One Science Lab, which utilizes sensor technology. This portable lab transforms science education, covering biology, chemistry, physics, and more. With a palm-sized design and up to 15 built-in sensors, Labdisc empowers students to explore, experiment, and learn interactively, making science accessible from any location. Hefner commented, “Using the GenSci Labdisc, we were able to test the pH of different substances. We were able to tell if they were acidic or basic.” With this easy-to-use tool, Liberty students can simulate tests and experiments done by scientists in the field.
Liberty Local School District also utilizes the Mimio interactive panel which enriches the interactive aspect of learning. Students can participate in whole-class discussions using the display panel.
Hefner explained, "Using the (Mimio) panel, the students are able to interact (in) a whole class discussion. They're able to add their own thoughts to the panel." This collaborative approach to learning fosters a sense of engagement and active participation among students. Additionally, the ability to save discussions and materials ensures that valuable content is never lost and can be revisited for review or further exploration.
Beyond class discussions, the Mimio panel offers students the opportunity to learn through play. The display panel features interactive games designed to enhance and reinforce educational concepts. These games engage students in a fun way that makes learning an enjoyable experience.
Benefits
Liberty Local Schools' successful technology integration hinged on thorough teacher training. They not only invested in top-notch tech but also provided in-person professional development with our EOS Education team. This approach boosted staff confidence with the tools. Hefner shared, "I was excited but nervous initially, as it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Yet, after the training, I felt a lot better."
While the primary focus at Liberty Local Schools is on providing quality education, they understand the importance of preparing students for the future. The district believes in introducing students to potential career opportunities from an early age.
Andy Tommelleo, Superintendent of Liberty Local School District, emphasized the significance of this aspect of their approach, stating, "Our goal is to … provide opportunities for our students to allow them to grow (and) most importantly, to allow them to explore resources and instructional options that present different learning opportunities.”
Tommelleo added, “Critical is the exploration of career opportunities that could develop because of their proficiency." By exposing students to various technologies and teaching methods, Liberty equips students with skills and knowledge that could be invaluable in future careers.
The district’s success story is not just about the adoption of educational technology - it's about creating a culture of inclusivity and innovation by recognizing the diverse needs of their students and addressing them with creative solutions.
By providing students with access to educational technology solutions like the Mimio interactive panel, Robo 3D printers, MyBot robots, GenSci Labdiscs, and MyStemKits STEM curriculum, Liberty Local School District has empowered its students to excel in STEM subjects, develop essential skills, and explore future career opportunities. They have shown that with the right tools and a commitment to student success, every child can reach their full potential.
We look forward to hearing more about what their teachers and students are doing to boost STEM and interactive learning.