QUEST is a class offered as part of a whole school enrichment model for students in grades K-5, emphasizing an integrated approach to learning. It explores systems thinking by teaching students to understand how different components interact within larger systems, such as their school environment and the broader community. This class introduces computational thinking, preparing students for further studies in coding and robotics.
In addition to developing collaborative skills and fostering sharing and compromise, the class strongly focuses on engineering principles. It introduces students to the basics of engineering design, encouraging them to think about how things are made, how they function, and how they can be innovatively improved. Through hands-on activities, students apply the engineering design process to solve real-world problems creatively and collaboratively. This aspect of the class not only enhances their problem-solving skills but also introduces them to potential careers in engineering and technology, connecting academic concepts with practical applications. Digital citizenship, media, and technological literacy are also key components, empowering students to use technology responsibly and creatively as a tool for learning and expression.