S.T.E.M. stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. S.T.E.M. related jobs are growing rapidly and S.T.E.M has invaded the pop culture space with names like Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates becoming household role model names. Just like any other trend, it has affected the education system, but in a very positive way. Kids are eager to learn these core subjects, and for it to be taught in school. Two teachers, Michelle Collins and Cheryl Jacobs, have teamed up with the University of Memphis to bring S.T.E.M. to Brighton. One Saturday a month, Collins and Jacobs, along with S.T.E.M. Ambassadors from The University of Memphis, gather in Brighton High School with thirty students to discuss new topics and take part in learning activities ranging from skyscraper construction to earth science. By using real-life application of science through many activities, kids can improve their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities– something that many kids don’t access during the normal school day. While embarking on this new learning venture, many find that science is in fact everywhere in the world around us.

Brighton held their first meeting on the sixth of January. Thirty students spent the day constructing skyscrapers out of K’nex (plastic sticks with joinery) to withhold the weight of bricks and learning the processes of engineering. After the students had brainstormed different designs to withhold the most weight, they completed construction on their towers. Slowly they began to place bricks on top of the skyscraper to see how much the structure could hold. They had one shot to build a structure to withstand the weight of the bricks. The winner was determined by both the height of the tower and the strength of the tower; the tallest and strongest tower held five bricks.

Collins, a biology teacher, and Jacobs, a physics and physical education teacher, have big plans for the S.T.E.M program at Brighton. They hope to turn it into an after-school club and make it available to more students. Teachers like Collins and Jacobs who are willing to invest their Saturdays and after-school hours to teach more students and bring new programs to the school are the reason education and jobs in S.T.E.M. are growing at such a fast rate. If you are interested in learning more about the S.T.E.M. program you can contact Mrs. Collins or Mrs. Jacobs at mcollins@tipton-county.com or clacobs1@tipton-county.com.