To say that Gavin Klinge loves his work as a Science teacher for Andalusia High School is an understatement, as the class has been thriving with lots of positive feedback during the school year.
Klinge is the newest STEM (Science Technology Engineering, Science as well as Mathematics) instructor for senior and junior high. He holds a bachelor’s in kinesiology at Auburn University, a master’s in Science Education from the University of West Alabama, and is a nationally accredited STEM educator who has a certification through the National Institute of STEM Education. Klinge has taught sciences in the school of Pleasant Home School, also is certified in VEX EXP V5 CTE, VEX EXP and the VEX Intelligence.
“Mr. Klinge is a zealous advocate for the integration of technological advances in the field of education. Our students have been responsive to his approach to teaching which combines creativity, innovation as well as critical thinking, to address real-world challenges,” AHS Principal Ray Wilson stated.
Klinge’s main goal for this year is to create an enduring curriculum that can be improved and adapted in the years to come. Klinge would like to allow students to create 3D models and understand the fundamentals of various careers that are available in STEM beyond the general education or pay scale.
Participants have described the course as challenging, fun interesting, stimulating, and enjoyable.
“Our classes are Legos for kids of all ages,” Aidan West said.
High school seniors Cape Merrell and J.M. Jackson plan to earn degrees in Engineering following high school.
“I haven’t ever wanted to attend school before this year however I am ecstatic to be a part of a STEM classes every day. I’ve learned so many things about robotics, computers and architecture,” Merrell said. “This class is very enjoyable because it’s hands-on and there is no textbook work. Also, it helps me improve my thinking abilities,” Jackson added.
Students will construct 4-wheeled robots, programme their functions, design personal budgets, build a 3D model translating measurements and construct historical replicas like The Eiffel Tower. They will take on regular STEM tasks like egg drop challenges and build robots that are autonomous, control robotic arms, design circuits, create digital portfolios, and so much more. STEM is a subject which is focused on collaboration, experimentation by students and exploration of failures, achievements, and determination.
“My objective is to create a space which may appear like chaos in chains’, but which will allow students to speak their mind and be in charge of their learning in ways traditional academics might not allow,” Klinge said.
The senior Parker Adams said the STEM class was his most favorite.
“I am absolutely in love with the STEM class. My teacher is extremely engaging and knowledgeable, which makes every lesson fun and inspiring. The best part is that I get an experience in the hands of robots. I’m addicted to the experience,” Adams said. “Creativity is the key ingredient to engineering, science, technology as well as math (STEM),” Collin Rawls added.
It has also been very well liked and appreciated by Andalusia High School students.
“This STEM class offers a engaging, imaginative and challenging learning course for students of all ages. There are lots of things to be doing in the class that will help improve coordination, problem solving, and effectiveness when working in real life,” Chase Riddle said.
Students are currently creating a robot arm to move objects on conveyor belts. The most recent project was attaching a battery holder onto the platform. “This process causes us to think differently from what we typically perform,” Pierce Majors stated.
They are currently working on their Sphero Competition in junior high classes. The Sphero Competition is a multi-week procedure of teaching students to comprehend the fundamentals of coding, including the significance of variables, loops comparators, boolean operators in addition to conditional expressions. After the completion of the class, they are required to navigate the maze, ramps rails, as well as other conditional obstacles in order to demonstrate their ability to apply their digital code into real world.
Students also complete an hour-long code project, an exercise which is being implemented by several large EdTech organizations and businesses created to help students who have no prior experience to work with code. These activities range from creating 8-bit games, to the creation of robot behavior using their own code.
The creation of robots has been great hit with students.
“This class is the most enjoyable class at school because we create as well as play around with robotics” Edward Bentley said. “I love to laugh, live, and love STEM and am looking forward to every day,” Everly Mack added.
Klinge hopes that every student will learn something as a the result of taking part during his classes.
“Whether they go home with a tangible object by themselves or just a tiny bit of information that affects their choices regarding jobs or their interests, among others I believe they’re learning that STEM classes are beneficial for all,” he said.
For more information on this class, visit http://www.stem.org/. Andalusia High School STEM class Call 334-222-769 for more information.
The story Klinge helps students gain understanding of STEM topics was originally published at The Andalusia Star-News.
