This article is part of Defined's series on how schools are using innovative learning techniques.

At Phoenixville Area Middle School educators have introduced a new program, which they say is on the cutting edge of innovative learning.

Known as Defined, the program incorporates the different subjects students are studying inside the classroom into a collaborative learning experience.

“It’s actually STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math),” said Frank Garritano, principal at Phoenixville Area Middle School. “When you hear STEM, the emphasis is on math and technology, but you’re also taking skills from English and art class, even social studies, and bringing them to a STEM project. It really puts it together for them.”

Using a web-based program, students are assigned group projects that test their skills in math, writing, technology and public speaking, among other areas, all at once. Garritano described a recent project in which sixth graders were tasked to pretend to be Hollywood producers making a Western movie. Students had to work together to determine the budget to move a fixed number of horses across the country at a price per mile. They then had to create a slideshow using the presentation software Prezi and present their findings to the class.

Another project has students writing a persuasive essay to a township supervisor about the need for a skate park using facts and figures, showing how to apply essay skills in a practical way.

At the eighth grade level, students study crime scene investigation of a teddy bear that’s had the stuffing pulled out of it. Teams work with measurements and solve practical problems to determine who killed the bear. Other projects require students to write and create commercials using an iPad, then edit the footage together using the video editing software iMovie. Students then stand and give a presentation.

For the first year, officials say the program is already a success.

Superintendent Alan Fegley said the new program allows students to incorporate what they learn in the classroom to prepare them for the real world.

“It means application,” he said. “It means the ability for students to take what they’re learning and apply it in a manner that will grow their costs.”

Phoenixville Area Middle School teachers are not the only ones thinking this way.

The Pennridge School District recently held a 21st-Century Teaching and Learning event that showcased how students were demonstrating collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking — skills needed in most fields — in their daily work using various forms of technology. Some of those projects incorporated ideas found in Defined.

Fifth-grade students from Sellersville Elementary School worked in groups to create digital storybooks about historical pioneers using an online program called Storyjumper. Students from Grasse Elementary School presented videos they made about the Southeast United States and Guth Elementary School students showcased a collection of the work they did in each subject through a digital portfolio.

“If education matters to students, they’ll stay motivated, and if they stay motivated they will learn more,” said Kathy Scheid, the director of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and instructional technology in the Pennridge School District. “Students begin to think more deeply about a topic if it’s meaningful to them.”

Using the example of students who turned a baseball bat-making project into a small business, Fegley said Defined is a gateway to future success.

According to a 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economics and Statistics Administration, STEM focused-jobs are projected to grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, compared to 9.8 percent growth in non-STEM jobs.

In addition, STEM degree holders enjoy higher salaries, regardless of if they work in STEM or non-STEM fields. In 2010, the average STEM worker earned approximately $25 an hour, which was about $9 more per hour than the average person in another occupation, the report stated.

Fegley said Defined is innovative because students are challenged to apply their knowledge.

Garritano said he can remember taking business classes in school when the focus would be on designing a PowerPoint presentation or spreadsheet, but not much else. Now students are presented with real-world scenarios and have to work in teams in order to get to a solution. There are multiple components to these projects and subjects aren’t being taught in isolation, but rather as part of a larger whole.

“Students are learning in collaborative groups,” he said. “The kids are working together and excited to show you what they’re working on.”

Fegley said while there are already STEM-based programs at the high school, he expects to see every class incorporate project-based assignments next year. Additionally, Defined is making its way into the elementary school level next year, as well. Even in kindergarten.

“When you look at kindergartners, they are so innovative in what they’re doing,” he said. “They naturally pull it all together.”

Students so far, Garritano said, have responded well to project-based learning because it allows them to work within their interests.

“They’re always at a computer,” Garritano said. “They understand how to use those skills. Now they have to create a product. There’s a restaurant project where they have to create a brochure to advertise a restaurant. They use English skills, use technology skills to create a tri-fold brochure. It’s such a great job; they’re so creative at this age to be able to create those products.”

Defined, he said, is about guiding students.

“You have those skills,” he said. “Here’s how you can take those skills and make something.”

Eric Devlin, Eric & Freeman, Jarreau (2015) "Phoenixville Area Middle School combines subjects in cutting-edge program", The Mercury News.