Santa Fe Public Schools’ Commitment to STEM Excellence

Tara Melton

Santa Fe Public Schools (SFPS) is making remarkable strides in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education through two dynamic initiatives designed to inspire students and deepen their understanding of the subjects. From hands-on STEM Fairs to innovative math teaching strategies, SFPS is empowering students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

STEM Fairs: Showcasing Student Innovation and Creativity

This year, 11 SFPS schools are participating in STEM Fairs, a platform for students to showcase their ingenuity and problem-solving skills. These schools include Cesar Chavez Elementary, Ramirez Thomas Elementary, Nina Otero Community School, Capital High School, El Dorado Community School, Ortiz Middle School, Carlos Gilbert Elementary, Gonzales Community School, Wood Gormley Elementary, Acequia Madre Elementary, Piñon Elementary, Aspen Community School, and El Camino Real Academy.

The District STEM Fair will take place on February 20 at Santa Fe Community College. Projects will span a wide range of topics, encouraging students to apply scientific methods and critical thinking to tackle real-world challenges.

“STEM Fairs are a powerful way to spark curiosity and engagement among students,” said Arturo Lujan, SFPS STEM Coordinator. “By participating, students not only deepen their knowledge of STEM subjects but also develop skills like collaboration, communication, and resilience that are essential for their future success.”

Number Talks: Transforming Math Education

The second initiative focuses on Number Talks, an innovative teaching method aimed at strengthening students’ mental math skills and number sense. The SFPS Curriculum & Instruction Department has partnered with five schools to implement Number Talks, with Sweeney Elementary taking the lead by hosting professional development sessions for teachers.

Number Talks are short, daily activities where students solve math problems mentally and share their strategies with peers. Teachers guide these discussions, highlighting diverse approaches to problem-solving and encouraging critical thinking.

The recent professional development sessions at Sweeney Elementary equipped educators with tools to:

• Select engaging and challenging math problems.
• Pose thoughtful questions to guide student discussions.
• Facilitate a classroom environment where students feel confident sharing their ideas.

“Number Talks empower students to see math as a creative and flexible process,” Lujan explained. “This approach not only improves computational fluency but also nurtures a love for learning math. It’s incredible to see students’ confidence grow as they explore and articulate their thinking.”

Through these initiatives, SFPS reaffirms its commitment to providing students with high-quality STEM education. By combining hands-on experiences at STEM Fairs with innovative classroom practices like Number Talks, the district is fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

“At SFPS, we believe that STEM education is the key to unlocking our students’ potential,” said Lujan. “These programs ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.”