Learners engage in STEM learning experiences that integrate all STEM disciplines with an emphasis on processes and practices associated with STEM.

Every spring Sierra Verde first grade classrooms learn about different animal habitats. One class learns about the ocean, another the tundra, another the rainforest and a fourth studies the desert. Students become immersed in these animal habitats. Each student then selects an animal from the habitat they are studying. After doing extensive research each student then writes and illustrates a teaching chapter book. Their books explain how their animals adapts to live in a certain habitat. Models of the animals in their habitat are also created by each student.  In STEM class students also create a computer presentation about all they have learned using a book creator application. First graders then also become teachers by partnering and teaching other students about their animal and habitat and sharing all their work at STEAM Night. 

Toothpick and Marshmallow Pyramids 

6th Grade Social Studies

Students are taken on a walk around the school grounds as their social studies teacher measures out the length of one side of the great pyramids to give them a visual representation of the massive structures. 

Buddy Classes Book Creator 

4th Grade Science & 8th Grade Science

In 8th grade the students learn about how scientists use fossils to gain a better understanding of the history of an area. In 4th grade the students are  to given a brief introduction to dinosaurs and fossils as well. In science class the 8th graders research information about fossils and demonstrate their understanding by creating books about fossils that they write specifically to share with a fourth grade audience. They were given the option of making a physical book or using Book Creator to make a digital book. After they share their book with the fourth graders, they receive a review from each one of what the students felt the 8th graders did well on, what they could be clearer on, what new information they learned, and what questions they still have about the topic/book.  

Ping Pong Ball Challenge

3rd grade students had limited materials to make a ping pong ball travel the SLOWEST! Students could test and redesign before sharing with the class and timing to see who succeeded in making the ping pong ball move the slowest, without it stopping/getting stuck.

Egg Drop Challenge in 7th Grade STEM

It has become a timed-honored tradition in 7th grade to complete the egg drop challenge in Mr. Foote's STEM class.

The Soft Skills of STEM

As a school culture we have prioritized the importance of teaching and implementing the soft skills that we know will set our students up for success in their future. The ability to problem-solve, collaborate with others, effectively communicate, think critically, empathize with others, and tap into creativity, are skills that our campus feel are essential to an individual's success so we look for ways to not only teach and hone these skills, but also find ways to empower students to reflect and assess their own growth in these areas.

One example of this is an activity that students do on the first day of their STEM exploratory class. They are partnered with someone and given the role of either "communicator" or "listener". They are then told that the communicator will be responsible for drawing a picture while accurately guiding their partner to create an exact replica of that drawing on their own with only the description the communicator provides. After each round of this activity the kids discuss what they did well and what were areas of weakness. They reflect on what is involved in not only being an effective communicator but what is required to be an effective listener as well. It is very eye-opening for the kids to see what is actually required to be a strong communicator and how much of our own perception can be clouded by our own assumptions.

Student STEM Self-Assessment

Having students reflect on the specifics of their STEM learning is an important step that allows the learners to be intentional and connected to the skills they are actively developing and strengthening.