STEAM Cycle 1

We had a fun 1st week in our STEAM Studios at both the upper elementary and lower elementary buildings!

What is STEAM?
STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.  The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.  These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century!

Why not STEM?
Students in STEM programs are limited to only science, technology, engineering and math.  Our economy requires so much more than an understanding of these areas – it requires application, creation and ingenuity.  STEM alone does not foster these essential skills. STEAM allows students to connect their learning in these critical areas together with arts practices, elements, design principles, and standards to provide the whole pallet of learning at their disposal.  STEAM removes limitations and replaces them with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation.

After learning about STEAM, each grade level had time to explore a STEAM concept.

• The students in K & 1st grade used toothpicks, gum drops, and marshmallows to create structures that could stand.  Once each pair was finished, the students combined to create larger structures, then each table told a story about their creations.

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• The 2nd graders learned about density using water, salt, and eggs.  Students tested varying methods of making the egg float (warm water, cold water, less water, more water), but it wasn't until the "magic" ingredient (salt) was added did the egg float to the top.

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• Engineering was the focus for 3rd-5th graders as they created a vehicle that could roll out of an assortment of supplies.