Bear Lake Middle School (BLMS) integrates evidence-based STEM practices across disciplines, fostering cross-curricular connections. This narrative shows how BLMS systematically (structured and monitored) and consistently (ubiquitous and sustainable) meets this standard.

**Structured Approach**BLMS’s curriculum is fundamentally organized around interdisciplinary instruction with an emphasis on STEM. Curriculum maps for 6th through 8th grades highlight STEM integration across subjects, such as social studies projects requiring students to create models of historical artifacts using engineering design principles and math skills​. For example:

·   6th Grade Social Studies: Students create dioramas and travel brochures that incorporate geography and cultural studies, emphasizing problem-solving and creativity​.

·   8th Grade U.S. History: Projects such as the "Manifest Destiny Exhibit" require students to analyze historical concepts while integrating spatial reasoning and presentation skills​.

Additionally, BLMS has adopted STEM-focused programs like the Math Pathways initiative, which includes a leveled math curriculum aligned to Idaho standards and provides opportunities for advanced students to earn high school credit​.

**Monitored Progress**Leadership at BLMS regularly assesses the quality and frequency of STEM-related instruction through multiple strategies:

·   Peer Observation and Reflection: Teachers engage in structured peer reviews to share best practices and refine STEM instructional strategies. These sessions are documented annually and have been in place since 2021​.

·   School Improvement Plans: Annual SIPs include measurable goals tied to STEM proficiency, such as increasing ISAT math scores by 3% and incorporating ISAT-aligned vocabulary in science lessons​.

**Ubiquitous Integration**Bear Lake Middle School integrates Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) and Mathematical Practices (MPs) into cross-disciplinary projects, enhancing problem-solving and real-world connections.

·   Mapping the Silk Road (Social Studies + Math): Students map ancient trade routes, applying SEPs to develop models and MPs to calculate distances and analyze trade data, simulating real-world planning.

·   Renewable Energy Systems (Science + Technology): Students design and test energy prototypes, leveraging SEPs for testing and iteration and MPs to assess efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

**Sustainable Practices**BLMS’s approach to STEM integration is designed for long-term impact. The school’s five-year STEM Certification Plan includes ongoing professional development, curriculum updates, and investments in resources like robotics kits and coding platforms​. Peer-to-peer learning, started in 2021, provides a sustainable model for continuous improvement. Curriculum maps dating back to 2020 illustrate BLMS’s consistent commitment to STEM education​.

Artifacts and On-Site Visit Evidence

The submitted artifacts—curriculum maps, SIPs, and peer observation reflections—offer robust evidence of structured, monitored, and sustainable STEM practices. During the on-site review, additional evidence can be gathered by:

1.   Observing Interdisciplinary Lessons: Review team members can visit classrooms to witness the integration of SEPs, SMPs, and cross-curricular STEM practices in real-time.

2.   Teacher and Student Interviews: Interviews can provide qualitative data on the impact of STEM initiatives on learning outcomes and teacher collaboration.

3.   Reviewing Student Work: Examining student projects, such as dioramas and engineering models, will demonstrate STEM integration and the application of inquiry-based learning.

Conclusion

Through its systematic and consistent approach, BLMS exceeds Idaho STEM Standard 2, providing students with a relevant, engaging, and high-quality STEM education through aligned curriculum, professional collaboration, and sustainable initiatives.