Jackson Middle School A Specialty School for Math and Science

I am Mrs. Best.  I have been teaching for 14 years in Anoka-Hennepin, and I LOVE my job!  I graduated from Augsburg College (GO AUGGIES!) with a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Science Education, and I graduated with my Master's of Arts in Education degree from St. Mary's University.  My passion is introducing and igniting student interest in the fascinating world of STEM education.

My husband and I live in Champlin, MN with our two boys and dog, Gizmo.  We love to go camping, playing board games, spend time with our friends and family, and pontooning on the lake at our family cabin north of Grand Rapids, MN.  

Parents and guardians, thank you for supporting STEM learning and exposing your student to a wide variety of STEM related fields.  I am excited to work with your student and to watch them grow in their STEM skills.  Learning about STEM is incredibly important in our current world!  If you have questions about how STEM can help impact your student's future, please let me know!  Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you have.

Engineering: Aerospace & Design

Major Outcomes:

• Experience a scientific environment involving design, creativity, and team problem solving.
• Understand the engineering process from concept to production.
• Explore how science has affected technology throughout history by looking at concepts in physics.
• Explore the science behind aeronautics and use software to experience space travel.

Projects, Activities, etc.: 

Hands-on and design experiences are integrated throughout the course. Some activities include designing and creating a chain reaction contraption (Rube Goldberg), designing a medical device, and aircraft exploration. Students will be introduced to various software throughout the course such as 3D-CAD and online resources to provide enriched learning experiences.

Instructional Focus: 

This course includes the PLTW units "Flight and Space" and "Design and Modeling." This class is a part of a nationally recognized pre-engineering program called Project Lead the Way Gateway To Technology. The program goal is to develop more engineers, including project based units in design, modeling, flight, and space. This course emphasizes high levels of academic rigor and computer literacy. Coursework includes both individual and collaborative activities that must be completed as an integral part of this course. Authentic, real-world problem solving skills are emphasized throughout the class. This is an academically challenging course and is best suited for a motivated, collaborative learner.