At Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia West Dallas STEM School, learning is about empowering students to understand the world around them and confidently take part in it.
“I love how much support I have. The teachers are always here to support me and teach me about things that will happen in life, and find solutions,” said Isabel G.
A fourth grader, Isabel and her classmates recently put those skills into action during a lesson on wind energy. Led by STEM coordinator Ashley Lozano, students explored how wind turbines work before designing and building their own miniature wind turbines.
At the end of the lesson, they presented their designs to the class, demonstrating not only what they learned, but the confidence they gained along the way.
“I loved hearing my students be able to justify design choices. They have a reason grounded in the science they are learning,” Lozano said. “They may not see themselves as scientists, but it’s part of who they are.”
A STEM education goes beyond math and science, making skills like independence, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking accessible to all students.
Through initiatives like novel engineering in reading classes, students analyze a book’s central conflict and work together to design solutions, collaboration becomes a foundation for learning and community.
“There’s a true sense of bringing authentic STEM experiences that allows students to solve real-world problems, surrounded by teachers who are truly committed to helping children develop in all aspects—academically, socially, and emotionally,” Lozano said.
That is something students feel every day.
“This school is special because everybody just supports you in every way they can,” said Charlie N. “Teachers take time with us to help us learn.”
Charlie, who is in fourth grade, likes being able to use math—his favorite subject—to answer his questions about the world around him.
“There’s math everywhere around me. It’s super fun,” he said.
