Austin Public Schools is interested in a little weird science. Along with some technology, engineering and math.

Board members will hear a presentation about science, technology, engineering and mathematics programming Monday as a STEM program may take place at the possible new grades fifth and sixth elementary school.

“We needed to have this kind of presentation brought forth,” said board chairman Aaron Keenan.

Several board members, including Dick Lees and Don Fox, are vocal proponents of a STEM program at the new school and have been for months. Keenan said he also supports STEM programming, but the issue hadn’t come before the board yet.

“If they would choose to make any kind of endorsement, then they would have a little bit more information what STEM is all about,” said John Alberts, director of educational services.

Alberts, along with several teachers, will give presentations about STEM programming partly based on teachers’ participation with the University of Minnesota Fellowship Program, which allows teachers to pursue their master’s degree with the Hormel Foundation picking up the bill. About 60 teachers are set to graduate from the program next spring.

A STEM program focuses 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.

Austin’s test results from last year won’t be out until mid-August. Alberts said earlier this year that district officials had informal, preliminary conversations with local and state STEM experts to examine how STEM programming worked for them, and whether a STEM program would align with the district’s five-year strategic roadmap.

“It’s gained a sort of a focus statewide,” Alberts said.