Penny Buckley

STEM Lab

(843) 563-3231
pbuckley@dd4.k12.sc.us

Courses Taught:

Math and Science

STEM2Hub

Bio

I grew up in Ridgeville helping my grandfather in his gas station.  He taught me how to run the "old fashion"  manual cash register and how to make change.  Back then, the register didn't tell you how much change to give the customer like the ones now.  I went on to graduate high school in Harleyville in 1981 and left for college.  That is where I met my college sweetheart who is now my husband of 39 years.  Michael and I are extremely proud of our two adult sons, Taylor and Preston.  We have three grandchildren who are an absolute joy!

 

Education

I received my Bachelor's degree from University of South Carolina in Elementary Education in 1993 and my Master's degree from Columbia College in 2005.  I am a National Board Certified Teacher in Middle Childhood Generalist. I received my NB certificate in 2002 and renewed it in 2012.  I am a STEM certified teacher.  My entire educational career has been in Dorchester District 4. I began at St. George Elementary as a third grade teacher. When we moved to Williams Memorial Elementary, I taught fifth grade and fourth grade. I am extremely proud and humbled to have been named Dorchester Four District Teacher of the Year in 2000 and in 2005.  I am excited to begin my 3rd year teaching in the STEM Lab which allows me to integrate all of my knowledge in math and science.

STEM Lab Information:

What is STEM?

It is the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students will learn to solve real world problems by using their knowledge of science, math, and robotics. They will learn computer programming to write a code for a robot to enhance their learning of grade level science and math content all while using their learned knowledge to solve a problem such as “How to Clean Polluted Water” or “Impact of Natural Disasters on Animals”. Students will learn to use the Engineering Design Process to design, create, and build structures to solve their problems. STEM is a class that requires all students to actively participate, be hands-on, and work with their team collaboratively.

STEM Wish List

Example Items: Cotton Balls, Pipe Cleaners, Hot Glue Sticks, Paper Plates, Paper Lunch Bags, Wiggly Eyes, Craft Sticks, Paper Towels, Pompoms, Play-Doh                                        Recycled Items: Scraps of Cardboard, Cardboard Tubes, Empty Tissue Boxes                                                                 (Any items students can build with will be very much appreciated.)

K - 5th Syllabus for STEM

STEM Expectations:

*Persevere - Don’t Give Up

*Teamwork - Share With Others; 

                     Everyone Participates

*Respect - Be Nice to Yourself, 

                  Others, and Materials

*Positive Attitude - Only You Can Control 

                               Your Actions

*Responsibility - Be Accountable of Your Actions; 

                           Follow School Rules

Students will be removed from their group to complete a 

Reflect on My Behavior Form when they choose to not 

follow the above expectations.


STEM Schedule