Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson and Kansas Department of Education Board Member Sally Cauble gathered first-hand information from teachers and students during a quick tour of Great Bend High School on Monday.
The pair learned about the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) program as they stopped by the Principles of Engineering class taught by Jake Hofflinger.
Hofflinger explained that students use algebra, calculus and physics (math and science) to study principles that engineers use in the workplace.
“The students are studying simple machines and mechanical advantage,” he said. “They explained (to Watson and Cuble) how they are building examples and then measuring and studying them. The class emphasizes real world problem solving.”
“The staff has been wonderful,” Watson said.