The Next Generation of STEM Leaders

SPARK understands students should be exposed to non-traditional careers to prepare them for their future and to ensue the success of our community.

SPARK provides many opportunities for students to extend their STEM learning beyond the classroom setting. SPARK STEM lab has a makerspace to extend their learning, so students can practice their engineering skills. Students are able to utilize this SPACE during their lunch and recess. Teachers are able to provide STEM-focused learning and as well as many times collaboratively co-teach with our STEM specialist and/or Literacy Coach. They also sign up to use the lab independently for hands-on activities using a host of technology items housed in the STEM Lab.

Not only do our students engage in interdisciplinary studies within the school day, they also have a bevy of after-school learning options. We offer extracurricular activities for students with a focus on robotics, drama, science, gaming & coding, math, nature exploration, art, and chorus. In addition to these clubs, we also offer Math Club for 4th and 5th graders, Science Olympiad for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, The Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition for students in 4th and 5th graders, and Reading Bowl for students in 4th and 5th grades.

Students have the opportunity to connect their STEM learning to service learning projects and competitions. For example, students recently worked with Global Growers to sprout seedlings for their gardens. In addition, 3rd-5th grade students participate in the ONE Fair and Invention Convention competitions. ONE Fair is an opportunity for all 3rd through 5th-grade students to select between a Science, Engineering and Design, Technology, or Social Studies inquiry project. With teacher support, students complete a long-term inquiry project and present it to community stakeholders with backgrounds in STEM and Humanities. Community stakeholders provide feedback to students for the redesign of project outcomes before moving onto district and state level fairs. Many students have been honored over the years as district and state fair winners.

Finally, we provide experiential activities through hands-on in-house field trips and off-site field trips. Students also attend a multitude of STEM field trips to extend their learning beyond the classroom and provide real-life STEM experiences. In school and out of school field trips including: Zoo Atlanta, KSU Makerbus, High Tech, High Touch, Georgia Aquarium, Trees Atlanta, Horizons Theater, Chattahoochee Nature Center, and the Atlanta Ballet.

In addition, we have a Super Special Class every three weeks where our environmental science teacher and parent volunteers create lessons with a STEM career connection.

All 5th-grade students have the opportunity to participate in an overnight STEAM-focused experience in Ocoee. Through our partners and PTO’s support, we are able to provide scholarships so that any student who wishes to participate is able to join. As the pandemic subsides, we will resume this opportunity for our 5th graders.

Sample Lessons

Calendar of STEAM Experiences