Our aerospace focus
captures children's interest in space and aviation to help them learn
in all subject areas including science, math, technology, history,
geography and reading. The range of academic lessons involving
aerospace span all grade levels and varying student abilities. For
example, the study of satellites is incorporated into the school's
academic program by making models, locating the International Space
Station, and researching how students worldwide are connected to
orbiting satellites.
Teachers use technology to support class lessons related to
aerospace. Some lessons are posted on the Internet for student and
family access. Class lessons also connect aerospace to students' daily
lives in discussions about communications systems (such as cell phones
and international TV broadcasting); health-related products and
services (such as pacemakers and laser surgery); and the environment
(such as water purification and solar power electricity). Students are
exposed to a wide range of speakers and field trips. In addition
students in the intermediate grades are trained in aviation, using
up-to-date flight simulators.
Many aerospace partners help us offer
instructional services beyond the school building. Among them include:
3M Aerospace and Maintenance Division, 3M Foundation, STARBASE, Civil
Air Patrol, Regent Aviation, NASA Glenn Research Center, Space
Foundation Inc., AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics), Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, EAA Chapters 1229
and 54, and University of MN-Aerospace Engineering Department,
University of North Dakota-College of Aeronautics, University of Saint
Thomas - Engineering Dept. and the Department of Education. In
addition, local airports are used to support curriculum.
The 5-8 campus is part of the Achievement Plus initiative, a public-private
partnership. This partnership focuses on raising student achievement by
focusing on three major efforts: academics, extended learning, and
learning supports for students and families.
Programs offered range from Pre -AP courses in math, science, social
studies and English to Technology and many challenging electives and
social support services. Inter-Disciplinary approaches are used
throughout the school to connect various content areas including a
Valley Branch Laboratory Partnership and Ames Lake Neighborhood
Partnerships.
A wide variety of activities provide additional opportunities for
Farnsworth students, such as Educational Talent Search, “Get Ready”
program, Fresh Force, Student Council, Math Team, After School Club,
Eagle Bluff Outdoor Education Trip, Multicultural Excellence Program,
and several competitive sports teams.
With our priority to keep families informed we utilize St. Paul Learns,
which provides parent/guardian access to grades, attendance, and
discipline through an Internet site as well as report cards and
newsletters.
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Progress reports are provided six times each year.
