A Unique, STEM-Focused MPS Program
Do you wonder if your child will be prepared for the future?
In an era where technology and innovation are at the forefront of future careers, STEM skills are crucial for navigating the challenges of the 21st century. Many parents worry their children might fall behind without a strong foundation in STEM education. Without exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math, children may not develop the necessary critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital and automated world.
The National Math & Science Initiative emphasizes that, in addition to science, technology, engineering, and math, STEM prepares students in the following ways:
- Critical Thinking Skills
One of the main benefits of STEM education is helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in any career field. It encourages students to think creatively and independently and helps them understand and apply complex concepts and ideas.
- Collaboration, Communication and Teamwork
Effective STEM education fosters the development of essential collaboration and communication skills that are crucial in everyday life. However, these skills are particularly critical in the STEM field, where teamwork is necessary to solve complex problems and achieve success.
- Workforce Readiness
STEM careers play a crucial role in driving the US economy. A STEM education provides students with valuable knowledge and skills that are in high demand across a range of industries.
InDI = Innovation & Design Initiative
As part of Mason Prep's focus on a well-rounded education, we have been actively engaging students through STEM activities in science classes for years. We have now taken this emphasis on STEM a step further with our unique InDI (Innovation & Design Initiative) program. Recognizing that, since science continues to evolve, so should our practice here at Mason Prep, we created this revolutionary space for students to explore and master skills needed in the field of science today.
- Experience science in real time.
- Build confidence in a space where they can create and pitch their ideas.
- Learn to work as a team and to contribute in a productive way.
- Find their place in science and discover what sparks their interests.
How Is InDI Different from STEM?
Innovation and Design designates time and space for students to apply modern-day science practices, while guiding students to think about innovative ways to approach problems and design solutions. Students are the driving force behind the topics and challenges covered, and teachers ensure our practices follow The Engineering Design Process. Students can be found 3D-printing, coding, inventing, building robotic systems, and more. Our goal is to raise innovative, scientific thinkers who have the tools to make a difference well beyond Mason Prep.
Which Grade Levels Participate in InDI?
InDI is enjoyed by students in all grades, with activities tailored to each grade level. Examples of InDI activities include:
- Completing a national bridge engineering competition.
- Building various prototypes to improve or solve a problem.
- Using Tinkercad to 3D print articulated objects.
- Exploring robotic agriculture and using code to improve farm efficiency.
- Converting a hydroponic system to an aquaponic system by adding fish.
- Beginning our first-ever outdoor InDI unit.
- Designing innovative homes to withstand local natural disasters.
- Learning about Apple’s sustainability plan and their use of robots to recycle metals.
If you would like to learn more about Mason Prep's InDI program and how it is part of our mission to educate the whole child, please contact our Director of Enrollment, Jake Petty (admissions@masonprep.org). We would love to have you come for a tour and see for yourself all the outstanding things happening on our campus!
Mason Preparatory School is committed to the education of the whole child in preparation for secondary education through the cultivation of respect, integrity, and personal responsibility within a nurturing environment that results in a productive citizen of a global community.
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