Indianapolis, Zionsville & Carmel Maria Montessori International Academies Respond to US Ranking in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)


INDIANAPOLIS, IN--(Marketwire - May 1, 2012) - According to a recent article in US News & World Report, students rank 25th in math and 17th in science in America when compared to other countries. As a result, STEM has become a national movement for schools to introduce curriculum in the fields of STEM and in STEM subjects. Maria Montessori International Academies in Indianapolis, Zionsville and Carmel responded to the report by promoting its unique STEM program, utilizing LEGO® robotics.

Maria Montessori International Academy is the first and only Montessori school in the Greater Indianapolis area that has a STEM curriculum for elementary (K-3). The program will begin fall 2012-13 and will be lead by Vivian Cain, a mechanical and industrial engineer, and Carmen Hazelrig, a state licensed teacher.

Cain, who is also the executive director of the academy, explained the importance of integrating STEM into the current curriculum. "Americans have fallen behind in science, technology, engineering and math. We are losing our competitive advantage on a global scale and educators need to embrace these subjects. I have encouraged our teachers and parents to take advantage of Maria Montessori International Academy's STEM program which allows students to learn how to build LEGO® robotics from scratch. Kids can see cause and effect. They get the opportunity to challenge their minds by developing their own villages from LEGOS® and deciding how many doctors' offices, businesses, schools, houses and neighborhoods will be required to sustain a healthy community," said Cain.

The STEM curriculum teaches each student valuable life skills such as communications, planning and working together as a group. The 2STEM Montessori project uses LEGO® robotics, designed for elementary students ages five to 12 years, and provides hands-on technical experience while integrating the Montessori methodology. The curriculum can be developed over a period of three years with increased complexity and use of various STEM concepts. This cross-curricular STEM project uses Montessori materials and WEDO™ LEGO® robotics to encourage students to build and program a working robotic model.

Maria Montessori International Academy is a private school for infants, toddlers, Pre-K, kindergarten, elementary (1st to 6th grade), serving the northwest side of Indianapolis as well as Zionsville and Carmel. To schedule a tour, please call us at 317-291-5557 or submit a request online.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Valerie Jennings
valerie@jenningssocialmedia.com
816.221.1040