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 not a single subject, nor should it replace other subjects, but it 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. STEAM education is also vital to the nation's economy as the United States strives to compete globally. 

What does STEAM look like at our school?

All students in grades K-5 visit the STEAM lab once per week. 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, robotics and coding. Our school was awarded a grant titled "Primed for STEM" from the APS Education Foundation for Lego Spike Prime robotics kits. 4th and 5th graders use Spike Prime 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 with Make Wonder Dash robots. Thanks to generous donations from families and staff and a Classroom Equipment Grant from the Albuquerque chapter of the AIAA, our STEAM lab now has a class set of dash robots. K-2 students will 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 with team or partner challenges at learning stations, then work on engineering projects connected to content for Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). 

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. Our STEAM lab has had a huge boost thanks to all of you! 

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)