In 2017, the MEF was pleased to grant $61,000 to transform the technology classrooms in each of our elementary schools into "FAB Labs," interactive centers for STEM fabrication and learning. The new STEM curriculum revolves around the steps Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve, and the revised space encourages the students to move around in their environment as they work together through the steps. A few of our Board members had the opportunity to visit Mrs. Masters at Chairville Elementary as she coached first graders through the challenge of bridge building. Hearing a first grade girl gleefully exclaim, "I want to be the Facilitator!" was a joyful noise indeed.
Thank you to the Pine Barrens Tribune and reporter Judy Cohen Minches for their wonderful article, "Technology Curriculum Reinvented To Lay Groundwork For Future Engineers, Scientists And Programmers," looking at the new STEM curriculum for Medford Township's K-8, the FAB Labs, and the MEF's part in helping it all come together.