Mokena 8th Graders Showcase App Designs and Green Architecture in STEM Spotlight

Mokena School District 159 Meeting | December 17, 2025

Article Summary: During the Dec. 17, 2025, meeting, eight female students from Mokena Junior High School presented innovative projects developed in their Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses. The “Girls in STEM” presentation highlighted mobile applications designed to solve community problems and architectural models built from recycled materials.

Student Spotlight Key Points:

• Students utilized MIT App Inventor to create custom mobile apps, including a math practice tool for younger students and a task reminder system.

• The Green Architecture unit challenged students to design sustainable “tiny houses” using recycled shipping containers.

• The district has transitioned from costly design software to a zero-cost “Floor Planner” program, which allows instructors to monitor student progress in real-time.

The Mokena School District 159 Board of Education on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, received a detailed presentation from eight Mokena Junior High students highlighting the district’s “Project Lead The Way” (PLTW) STEM curriculum.

The presentation, titled “Girls in STEM,” featured work from two distinct units: App Creators and Green Architecture. Teacher Megan Horsch explained that the App Creators unit introduces students to computational thinking and Java-based logic.

Student Bailey presented a math-focused application she built from scratch to help younger children practice addition. “I created this app because I want to go into teaching when I’m older,” Bailey told the board. Other students, like Emily, showcased a task reminder app with a “cool blue theme” designed to help users stay organized and calm.

In the Green Architecture segment, students demonstrated how they used architectural design software to create sustainable homes out of recycled shipping containers. The board viewed 3D renders of student-designed classrooms and “dream bedrooms,” which included complex features like built-in closets and libraries.

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Kristin Johnson noted that the district recently moved to a free software called Floor Planner, replacing the expensive Revit program. “It’s at zero cost for the district, which is wonderful,” Horsch said, adding that the software allows her to see every student’s work live from her own computer.

The board also recognized several staff members for their contributions to the STEM program. Second-grade teacher Samantha Catain and instructional coach Sharon Youngblood were commended for presenting at the state’s Raising Student Achievement Conference earlier this month.