There were experiments galore at Austin High School Monday.

Through balloon cars, rockets, penguin homes and more, two teachers taught lessons about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Yet Ellis Middle School teachers Tom Fritz and Eric Harder weren’t teaching growing boys and girls, but the men and women that comprise the Austin Public School board.

The board, which previously asked for more information on STEM programming, is no closer to a decision on whether to include STEM in Austin’s curriculum but seemed to be rapt with attention Monday during a presentation on STEM programs overall.

“Who wouldn’t want their kids doing this stuff?” said board member Kathy Green during the meeting Monday.

At issue is whether STEM programming should be included in a possible new fifth- and sixth-grade school.

The gist of STEM programming is using the engineering process (similar to the scientific method) in a variety of classes throughout the day. Experiments and curriculum would be shared throughout classes. For example, a science science would present a problem for students to solve, such as how to make a better hot air balloon. Students would learn the arithmetic behind solving the problem in math class and Language Arts teachers would give lessons involving the hot air balloon, whether through key terms or other stories.

“It’s a lot of interdisciplinary work,” Mark Stotts, director of finance and operations, told the board. Stotts wasn’t part of the presentation but shared advice from his time working for Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Public Schools, where he oversaw the opening of a STEM school.

One class in Austin already uses STEM-like lessons. Fritz teachers Interactive Physics and Technology, a seventh-grade elective where students solve complex science and engineering problems. He showed off several experiments Monday he uses in the course and his lessons have incorporated problems and speakers from Hormel Foods Inc.’s engineering department in the past. Fritz told the board students are often busily (and loudly) finding multiple creative ways to solve problems they’re given.

“If you were to come to my room on those days, you would see havoc,” Fritz said.

STEM programs are gaining national attention for their focus on critical thinking and analysis through science and mathematics study. National experts have lauded STEM programs in recent years as necessary additions to education in a time when student math scores on standardized tests are falling. In Minnesota, 59 percent of 11th graders statewide met Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment standards in 2010. About 60 percent of Austin students met those standards in math in 2009. Austin’s 2010 math scores are expected to be released by the end of September.

There are several things that would need to happen if Austin were to adopt STEM programming at one location, let alone throughout the district. A $28.9 million bond referendum would have to pass during the upcoming November elections so a new fifth-sixth school could be built along with additions to Woodson Kindergarten Center.

If that happens, district officials could then research what a STEM program would look like at the fifth- and sixth-grade level. John Alberts, director of educational services, told the board he and other district officials could research STEM schools and fifth-sixth schools to build a curriculum once a new school becomes more concrete. That will have to wait until after Nov. 8, however.

“Without the 5-6 school this would be extremely difficult, if possible at all,” said board member Dick Lees.

The board made several other actions Monday, including:

—hiring a new kindergarten teacher and paraprofessional at Woodson, and officially creating the four math intervention specialist positions. Woodson’s student population is at more than 380 students and is projected to top out at around 390 students this year, according to Mary Burroughs, director of human resources. Those 390 students are well past a benchmark for another classroom. Staff will convert an administrative office for special services to be used as a classroom, the last possible space which can be converted at Woodson according to school officials.

In addition, district officials were able to secure funding from EdSys, a program which funds specialist positions for students who need more help.

—creating another student activity account for Boys Tennis. Boys Tennis and Girls Tennis are coached by two different people this year, and the money each program has raised will go into their respective accounts from this year on.