Northview Middle School Presentation Academy presented at the Tennessee Science Teacher Association (TSTA) Conference in Murfreesboro on October 29.
Northview has a strong STEM program, but one area that separates their STEM program from many others is their Presentation Academy, led by their instructor, Mike French.
“When we first started our STEM program,” explained French, NMS STEM Instructor, “our administrators and I felt that students presenting in front of their peers would need to be incorporated into the various projects that the students completed throughout the year.”
This evolved from classroom presentations to presenting formally throughout the state about a variety of topics at NMS. Northview’s Presentation Academy students have presented for multiple school systems, DSCC, Union University faculty and students, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, Discovery Park of America staff, and several industry and business leaders in West Tennessee.
“We have been very fortunate to have students wanting to learn presentation skills, and use those skills to share with others across the state,” commented French. “When we were given the opportunity to present to science teachers from across the state, we knew that we wanted to take advantage of that opportunity and share with others the amazing things taking place at Northview Middle.”
At the Conference in October, the Presentation Academy students presented Northview’s STEM program at three different teacher sessions.
“I am so proud of our students, and their willingness to improve each time they present,” stated French. “Presenting in front of anyone can be scary and difficult, but our students embrace that challenge every time.”
Northview’s Presentation Academy currently has 52 students that present in some capacity throughout the year, and the program continues to grow.