At last year’s K-12 STEM Symposium, local principals Dr. Tinell Priddy of Academies of Loudoun and Dr. Ann Bonitatibus of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology spoke about broadening the STEM curriculum and the science behind superheroes like Batman and Wonder Woman.
Priddy, inaugural principal of the Academies of Loudoun, emphasized her commitment to expanding STEM education to steer students toward the path that’s right for them.
“[We must] broaden the lens of STEM education in order to reach a broader and more diverse population,” she said.
Bonitatibus explained the mysteries behind superhero science, asking the audience to determine what properties of Krypton allow Superman to fly and the scientific knowledge Wonder Woman needs every time she stops a bullet.
During a Q&A session, Bonitatibus highlighted the community outreach efforts taking place at Thomas Jefferson. For Bonitatibus, community connections are essential for spreading STEM knowledge beyond the school’s walls.
“[We] focus on those families that don’t have the econ and social capital of other families in the community,” she said.
WashingtonExec is hosting the annual K-12 STEM Symposium on March 30, 2019. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees are asked to register in advance.