Technology

Curriculum

Starting in Kindergarten, students have access to at least one Technology class each week. The curriculum explores the use of student iPads, apps for discovery, exploration and experimentation with 2D and 3D design, programming basics, and more. A Tech or STEAM program is often available during Winter Clubs.

Educational Technology Philosophy

We believe digital technology is a tool to augment and enrich the traditional curriculum and teaching methods. Our teachers use technology purposefully in their classrooms to enhance lessons and provide students with a wide variety of options to participate in the learning process and demonstrate understanding. Our school Technology Committee, led by Technology Integrator, Rachel Nightingale, oversees the entire school technology program and meets regularly to assess, develop, and implement best practices for technology use in our school.

Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI)

Since the start of the program in 2002, BHCS has participated in the State’s “Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI)” which was created to provide equitable access to high-tech learning tools to all of Maine’s middle school students.

The current iteration of the program that BHCS participates in involves 1:1 iPad Pros. Students in Grades 3-5 may use their iPads only at school, while those in Grades 6-8 have the ability to take their iPads home so that they and their teachers may leverage these tools for homework and project assignments.

A mandatory annual meeting (MLTI Night) takes place at the start of every school year where the Grades 6-8 teachers detail their specific uses of the devices with students and their parents. For more information, refer to the school board’s MLTI policy and procedures.

Idea Center & FAB LAB

Blue Hill Consolidated School has a state-of-the-art STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) program focused on project-based learning.

The IDEA Center is one of the first of its kind in the country and the program is tailored to meet the needs of every student in our school by introducing vocational education and industrial arts components to the curriculum and integrating STEAM across the curriculum.

The Idea Center is a hands-on learning space with technical and non-technical tools—including a 3D printer, 3D scanner, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and CNC milling machines—where students can learn through exploration and trial-and-error.

Our focus is on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, inquiry-based, and test-hypothesis skills.

The IDEA Center began in 2014, spearheaded by former Technology Coordinator, Matt Jurick. The Center is modeled after the growing “Makerspace” movement and funded through the generosity of BHCS Boosters, Perloff Family Foundation, Maine Space Grant Consortium, Maine Community Foundation, Ira Berry Masonic Lodge #128, George Stevens Academy, Laurence Flood Foundation, Blue Hill school committee, and many individual parents, teachers, and community members.

School Website

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