Lockport High School’s Dynamic STEM Program
When I caught up with Lockport High School’s STEM Teacher, R Marshall Hall, the students were getting ready to go on mid-winter break. Hall has been with Lockport for six years, starting as a teaching assistant to Heather Bitka, Lockport High School’s Technology Integration Specialist. His beginning coincided with the district’s commitment to STEM Education. Integrating STEM K-12 has been a top priority for Lockport City School District for the last few years and Lockport High School is a huge piece of the puzzle.
Lockport High School has implemented Woz ED STEM Kits in creative ways, incorporating them throughout the curriculum—from regular lessons to electives, extracurricular activities, and even internship opportunities. Hall is thrilled to be a part of creating a memorable, productive high school experience for his students and he credits this, largely, to STEM programming.
What Does STEM Look Like At Lockport High School?
Hall teaches two instructional STEM courses each semester. Throughout the year, Hall teaches a Media Productions course, an Interactive Media course, a Communications Systems course and Technological Literacy course. Within each of these courses, Hall uses Woz ED kits as learning tools. For example, Woz ED AI and Mobile Development Level 4 Kit materials are used within the Technological Literacy course and Animation and Drones Level 4 is explored within Interactive Media.
Lockport High School’s STEM Hub is an interactive media space dedicated to STEM learning. Here, Bitka and Hall collaborate with classroom teachers to provide hands-on STEM experiences that align with their classroom curriculum. When teachers bring their classes to the Hub, Hall and Bitka guide students through engaging, collaborative projects that complement their learning and help them better understand key concepts in an interactive way. Additionally, the STEM Hub is available to students during lunch and study hall periods, allowing them to work on projects independently with support as needed.
Lockport High School has an incredible STEM related program called The Cyber Lions. The Cyber Lions is a group of students who have developed a strong interest in STEM through their courses and now want to continue being a part of the STEM Hub. These students work on projects for the district and the community, which requires them to take on more independent roles. They often collaborate with administrators, community members, teachers, and district personnel to plan and develop projects. Some examples of this include helping the district’s communication department by designing social media posts and supporting campaigns and projects. Some Cyber Lions have gone on to secure employment with these organizations post graduation. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain real-world experience whilst continuing to learn.
Student Innovation
While there are many exciting STEM projects happening at Lockport High School at any given time, there are a few, which Hall mentions, that stand out. In the Technological Literacy course, students are tasked with a final project where they must find a solution to a technological problem of their choice using the Engineering Design Process. At the end of the semester they present their projects in a “Shark Tank” inspired setting with teachers and faculty as judges. It is incredible to see what students come up with and how excited they are to present their findings and participate in friendly competition.
During the mobile development module of the Technological Literacy course, using the Woz ED Mobile Development Level 4 Kit, students must come up with their own mobile app. Here, student personalities and interests shine through. Some of Marshall’s favorite apps include a “safe dating” app, an alternative study materials app, and a sports highlight app.
The Impact of STEM at Lockport High School
Hall and Bitka have noticed a genuine interest in STEM amongst the students. Hall tells me that many students are devoted to STEM learning, spending all of their free time and then some in the STEM Hub or with their STEM teachers. He jokingly says, “Once they are interested, we can’t get rid of them.” It is a testament to the power of the hands-on learning, creativity, and agency that this type of environment permits. Students want to spend time learning more.
Hall also highlights how STEM education brings students together that may not otherwise collaborate. There is a place for everyone within the realm of STEM. For those interested in the arts; they find joy in creating and for those interested in math or science; they love to get into the nitty gritty of coding or engineering design. He loves to see all types of students involved in collaborative, interactive learning environments, coming together to solve problems and have fun. He says that the STEM Hub, “brings so many diverse voices to the table, and allows students to express themselves and their creativity.”
Continuing The STEM Education Journey
Teachers and administrators at Lockport High School are going above and beyond to ensure that the STEM program continues to flourish and expand. The Robotics Team, Technology Team, and Science Departments all play a huge role in providing ongoing science and technology education. The hope is to give students a unique learning opportunity that they will carry with them after they graduate.
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Lockport School District will host their K-12 STEM Night, where students of all grade levels will showcase the Lockport City School District STEM Program. This event provides an exciting opportunity for students to highlight their experiences and explore more about the Lockport STEM program. Families are invited to engage in hands-on activities alongside their children, offering a chance to learn more about the innovative STEM education and opportunities available at LCSD. Additionally, there will be speakers offering valuable insights on internet and social media safety, providing opportunities for both parents and children to learn how to stay safe online. The entire Lockport community is encouraged to come and experience what STEM education is all about. It’s an evening filled with learning, discovery, and community connection!
