Bringing Relevance and Application to Idaho K-5 Instruction

A Love2Learn Q&A with Ryan Wilhite /// Principal of Barbara Morgan STEM Academy

Tell us about your school.

Barbara Morgan STEM Academy was founded in 2013 by the West Ada School District with the intent of increasing student literacy in science, technology, engineering and math. BMSA is a K-5 school that serves as the STEM Academy for the west central region of our district. BMSA is named after Barbara Morgan, a former Idaho teacher and NASA astronaut that served as the backup to Krista McAuliffe (of the ill fated Challenger mission) and was a crew member on NASA mission 118 to the International Space Station. Barbara Morgan continues to play an advisory role at the Academy and has frequently interacted with staff and students over the years.

Missions are important to astronauts and schools. What’s your school mission?

Our mission at Barbara Morgan STEM Academy is to develop lifelong learners working together as innovative problem solvers in a global community.

How do you accomplish your mission?

We accomplish our mission by facilitating instruction that is real-world and focused on the application of acquired knowledge and skills. We do this through a strategy called Project-Based Learning. Project-based learning (PBL) requires students to identify a real-world question or problem and pool from a wide range of knowledge and skills to find a solution. Learning is relevant and hands on.

Can you give us examples of Project Based Learning at Barbara Morgan STEM Academy?

Examples of PBL would be 5th graders researching, designing and engineering water filters to help communities in 3rd world countries or 2nd graders studying how to improve bird habitat on our campus and engineering bird houses to provide additional habitat.

You also use the inquiry method. Tell us about that.

Inquiry is a methodology of teaching that capitalizes on a child’s natural curiosity to further learning. We have a process called the W.I.S.E. Way that teaches students to “Wonder” about the world around them, “Investigate” answers to their questions, “Share” their learning with others and “Extend” their learning by applying it. At BMSA, teachers answer questions with questions, which promotes critical thinking, problem solving and perseverance in our students.

Is it unusual for an entire school to be based upon Project Based Learning?

Although one may find pockets of what we do everywhere, it is extremely rare to find and entire school dedicated to these ideals — Project Based Learning and inquiry.

What kinds of extracurriculars are the kids involved in?

Along with our core academic offerings, we also offer a wide range of extra-curricular after school clubs that give students additional opportunities to explore STEM. Clubs include: Coder’s Club, where students learn computer programming skills, Engineering Club, Technology Club, and Chess Club.

Soft skills must be very important in a very science-focused learning environment. How do you infuse them into the learning?

Research has shown soft skills are critical in long-term career success. Soft skills include work ethic, working with others, communicating, persevering through challenges and more. We explicitly teach these soft skills through the use of Sean Covey’s, “7 Habits of Happy Kids,” which is the children’s version of Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” We also have an ongoing focus on career preparation and have established ongoing partnerships with many local universities and STEM industries.

We know your kids are young, but are they thinking about careers in STEM?

At BMSA every day is career day. We have an ongoing focus on exposing students to a wide range of STEM careers. Teachers often invite professionals from industry to serve as experts and answer questions students have about the projects they’re working on.

Anything else you’d like to add?

If you are interested in learning more about BMSA or partnering with us in our mission you can go to our website, attend a monthly tour or give us a call (208–855–4430).