STEAM

What is STEAM?

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. The disciplines of STEAM are often applied together for problem-solving in the real world. Our program is designed to be interdisciplinary and uses NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) and Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA) standards as a framework.  

Why is STEAM Education important?

STEAM education teaches critical thinking and problem solving and develops skills that can make learners more successful throughout their student and adult lives, including perseverance, adaptability, cooperation, organization, and responsibility. The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) explains that STEAM is a way of organizing and delivering instruction which helps learners apply their knowledge and skills, collaborate with their peers, and understand the relevance of what they are learning. STEAM takes an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. 

What does STEAM look like at our school?

All students in grades K-5 visit the STEAM lab once per week for 50 minutes. For the first quarter of the year, the upper grades focus on scientific literacy by learning how to design experiments with variables and the scientific method; use scientific tools and measure meters, liters, and grams. K-2 students explore the letters of STEAM with hands-on learning stations. A primary goal is to learn that scientists make observations, do experiments, look for patterns, and solve-problems. 

For the second quarter of the school year, all students dive into technology with age-appropriate computer skills, typing practice, block coding and robotics.  4th and 5th graders use LEGO Spike Prime robotics kits to learn and apply math and practice intermediate coding concepts (algorithms, loops, conditionals, variables, and debugging their own code). They collaborate in teams for creative obstacle courses and open building activities.

3rd graders explore and solve problems creatively with Make Wonder Dash Robots. Teams celebrate their progress with a final Dash lego-hat dance party. K-2 students learn essential computer skills; understand hardware and software, practice trackpad navigation, and have introductory coding experiences (sequence, algorithms), as well as program bee bots through mazes. 

For the second semester of school, all grades focus on the engineering design process through a unique project, then work on engineering projects connected to content for Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Some past 4th and 5th grade team projects include designing paper roller coasters to convert energy from one form to another and designing cardboard mini solar cars. 3rd graders focus on forces while engineering and experimenting with catapults and balloon rockets. K-2 students build a solution for a fairy tale related problem. 

Donations and volunteering!

Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers that support our school! Contact our Community School Coordinator for volunteer opportunities. If you would like to make a financial contribution, please visit the STEAM lab's Donors Choose website where you can donate to a specific project or send a gift card for future projects. 

STEAM Resources

Code.org (free coding activities)

My.aps.edu (student login and apps)

Typing Club (free typing games and tutorials)

ABCYA (free learning games)