Embedded Files
STEAM Night at Ephesus in 2016 combined our Wonders & Exploration student showcase with our STEaM in a Box Challenge.
History of S.T.E.A.M. at Ephesus
History of S.T.E.A.M. at Ephesus
Mirroring our school district’s focus on the growth mindset, at Ephesus we believe that all students have the ability to increase their intelligence through purposeful and sustained effort.
We also believe that as 21st century teachers, we have the responsibility to provide our students with authentic, embedded learning opportunities that will prepare them for the future. Through STEAM integration at EES, we hope to harness the creative energy of our students through innovative teaching and authentic project-based learning while providing all learners the opportunity to stretch their thinking.
Our Mission
To prepare and inspire ALL Ephesus students to meet the challenges of our ever-changing global society through applied critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration and communication.
Our Vision
To harness the creative energy of our students through innovative teaching and authentic project-based learning while providing all learners the opportunity to stretch their thinking. STEAM integration will increase student engagement, raise motivation, focus on relevant issues and develop in students the ability to plan, design, reflect and adapt.
Part of our effort includes our "makerspace".
We are calling this space the "Ephesus Exploratorium" and our vision is that it will serve as an innovative learning hub where students can engage in thinking through tinkering, problem solving & collaboration.
Read more here about the "maker movement" and it's impact on teaching and learning.
The Ephesus STEAM TEAM...A Bit of Background
In February 2013, a team of teachers from Ephesus Elementary headed to the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) in Cullowhee, NC.
They wrote a Research & Development proposal titled, Full STEAM Ahead: Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics Through Project-based Learning Opportunities. During their time at NCCAT, this team reviewed research on STEAM in elementary schools, designed a frameworkfor integration at Ephesus and created enrichment extension opportunities for our diverse group of students based on the STEAM principles. Their work incorporates the researched-based Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol Model (SIOP) as a framework for planning in order to reach all of our learners including our ESL, EC and other populations.
What’s with the A in STEAM?
Research in cognitive and social neuroscience shows that arts activities enhance creativity, problem solving, memory systems, and analytical skills - all critical for STEM success (Sousa & Pilecki, 2013).
Goals of Our STEAM Initiative
Provide the tools and space for creativity, exploration and invention
Foster a culture of inquiry among students and teachers
Emphasize connections in the fields of math, science, technology and engineering through integrated studies and investigations.
Meaningfully integrate technology
Engage students in the engineering design process
Make explicit connections with local universities, Ephesus parents/community members and businesses to link student and teacher learning with current practice
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