STEM + Computer Science Programs Overview

ESports in education provides new opportunities for students to work around shared goals. The popularity of eSports continues to grow nationwide. Research shows it helps to build spatial reasoning skills, which assist students in STEM. 

In partnership with Digital Promise, funded by the National Science Foundation, to help expand computer science in BCPS schools and across the nation. Districts Helping Districts: Scaling Inclusive Computational Thinking Pathways. 

In partnership with Code.org we provide K-12 teachers with training to bring computer science (CS) into their classroom so that every student can benefit from integrated curricula such as:

• CS Discoveries (6-8)
• AP CS Principles (9-12)
• AP CSA (9-12)
• CS Fundamentals (K-5)

In partnership with Amazon Future Engineers and BootUp we provide K-5 computer science using Scratch, Scratch Jr. (Bee-Bot), and MakeCode (micro:bit).

Professional Development for teachers integrating computer science using online applications and physical computing, into various subject areas:

• Block Code Applications
• CS and Robotics
• Ecodata Explorations
• Code and Create: Unlock Your Inner Maker
• Project MakeCode
• Eco-Data Exploration

• P3 Eco-Challenge - Districtwide challenge recognizes and rewards traditional BCPS schools, teachers, students, non-instructional and custodial staff for their efforts to learn about and implement environmentally sustainable measures and green initiatives within their schools and communities. 
• Broward Youth Climate Summit - An annual event for students in grades 5-12 to provide a platform for students to advocate for policy change and gives students a voice for promoting environmental sustainability.
• Edible and Butterfly Gardens - Participating teachers in the PD are provided a comprehensive curriculum supplement for teaching health, science, language arts, mathematics and social studies through using a school garden.
• TEA Garden Food Forest -Technology Empowered Agriculture or TEA Garden Food Forest at BCPS educates students, teachers and their communities on how and why they can sustainably grow edible food together in their neighborhoods
• How Low Can You Go - In partnership with the Miami Heat, schools are challenged to find innovative ways to reduce energy consumption at each school campus in a 3-month period compared to the previous year.
• USDA Farm to School - The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program with matching funds from the Broward Education Foundation provide six schools to incorporate garden herbs into cafeteria meals.

Provides opportunities for students to engage in projects with real-world relevance for learning. They can solve problems that are important to them and their communities.

Broward Schools is utilizing the Minecraft Education platform to engage students in problem and project-based learning. Minecraft challenges involve collaboration with other children.

Spatial reasoning is the ability to think and manipulate objects in 3-dimensions, often starting with a 2-dimensional representation of the object. Whether it is redesigning their own workspace, visiting interstellar worlds, or simulating a biological system, these skills empower students to navigate, manipulate, create, and build with, around, and in physical and virtual space. BCPS trains teachers in the Magic Leap hardware and in 3D design and programming (Unity, Unreal, Minecraft, Tinkercad, Paint 3D, etc.). 

A national program dedicated to focusing on equity and the inclusion of "learning and doing science, technology, engineering, and math." Competition includes mousetrap cars, water bottle rockets, generator build, robotic hands, banners, essays, and VEX exhibitions.

With funding from the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation, we provide VEX robotics equipment and materials, teacher development and competitions for all traditional public schools in the District. We also support FIRST robotics (FLL, FTC, and FRC).