Templeton chosen WTEA Middle School Program of Year

Templeton Middle School was chosen the Middle School Program of the Year by the Wisconsin Technology Education Association (WTEA). The award honors education and industry professionals who have demonstrated outstanding service and commitment to technology education.

Templeton applied engineering and technology teacher Shannon Flaherty received the award March 8 at the WTEA ”Building Wisconsin Strong” annual conference in Wisconsin Dells. The award recognized Templeton’s success in:
• integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum throughout the school;
• increasing female enrollment in technology and engineering classes; and
• providing afterschool activities for students.

Templeton transformed its technology and engineering program in 2006-07, taking it from a traditional industrial arts to a modern STEM-based curriculum. In those six years, the program has seen an increase in course offerings, elective enrollments and female student enrollment.

All seventh grade students are required to take “Gateway to Technology and Engineering” which focuses on technology and the design and modeling process. Eighth-graders may choose “Technology and Engineering Education” which introduces students to material properties, structures, computer-aided 3D design, digital electronics, energy transfer, wood and plastic fabrication and automation. Both classes follow the Project Lead the Way curriculum to integrate increasingly high levels of math, science and writing.

Flaherty said he is proud that Templeton has significantly increased the rigor of the program while attracting more students. Enrollment in the eighth grade elective course increased from 43 students in 2006 to 118 student last year.

STEM curriculum is spread across Templeton as well. Eighth grade science classes include a unit on simple machines, work and energy in which students fabricate a Rube Goldberg machine using STEM principles. Students in a sixth grade social studies-science class create a primitive irrigation tool to better understand the use of technology in ancient Egypt. More integration units are planned.

In addition, Flaherty works with students in extracurricular activities such as the Bulldog Club and Manufacturing and Entrepreneur Club.