Lincoln Middle teacher showcases hands-on STEM unit; board praises student engagement

Lincoln Middle School teacher Justin presented a classroom redesign that replaced traditional lecture and video with hands-on thermal-energy experiments, student-built “thermal cups” and technology-enabled graphing. The presentation was part of a district deeper-learning initiative funded by a governor's office grant.

Justin told trustees he converted a standard thermal-energy unit into hands-on labs and a final project in which student teams designed and built insulated cups and tested which design retained heat the longest. He said the classroom shift "created a project where they had to create a thermal cup" and that students were "fully engaged," including previously reluctant learners. He described using digital thermometers and student-created graphs rather than standard multiple-choice tests.

Justin said the unit led to greater student participation and enthusiasm: "Kids were using technology to create some digital graphs and learning... they're even my high functioning kids... asking cool questions." He also noted practical challenges — limited equipment, technology failures and time constraints — and suggested expanding community partnerships and rebuilding the district's STEM program to increase hands-on learning opportunities.

Trustees responded positively; one said Justin's "excitement is contagious," and board members encouraged further work to expand the approach across grade levels.