Standard 7

Learners engage in self-directed STEM learning guided by professional staff members who are effective facilitators of learning.

Ecosystems (Green Screen Videos) 

6th Grace Science

As a means of showing their understanding of how energy flows and matter cycles in ecosystems, 6th graders at SV create videos using green screen technology.  The students first learn all of the curriculum through content delivered in a blended learning environment.  The students form groups and plan out their videos with given criteria.  The students use iPads, green screen backdrops, green screen apps, and various other equipment to create their videos.  The  students are able to express their understanding of the material in a creative way that engages them and takes them to a deeper understanding of the concepts.  

PSA Ocean Pollution 

6th Grade Science

One of the 6th grade standards is for students to learn about Man’s impact on the environment.  We spend time learning about the impact we have, as humans, on our oceans.  Students study multiple ways we impact those oceans, including pollution, over fishing, and dead zones created by fertilizer run-off.  Students are then asked to create a Public Service Announcement video that addresses one of these situations.  Students brainstorm, gather materials, and use our green-screen video equipment to create videos that they then share out with the rest of the grade level for viewing on a sharing platform.  

Sunscreen PSA's 

8th Grade Science

In 8th grade the kids learn about mutations and cancer. They research how damaging the sun's rays can be and how sunscreen can be a powerful tool to protect us from those harmful rays. The kids use the information they have to create PSAs to teach others about the importance of wearing sunscreen. 

Copen-mart

The Sierra Verde drama program is an integral part of the campus climate.  It has been around since 2002.  The tech crew is the heart and soul of each production. The students work on set design, building and painting.  The backdrops and bi-folds are created by the students.  They also learn how to run the sound system, lighting (stage lights and spot lights) and microphones.  Students apply for positions are the start of each season.  We have a stage and prop team, set sketching and painting team and a courtesy team.  Students learn the ins and outs of a stage production and run the entire show themselves.  Students also learn the art of “makeup-ing” and costuming to make sure each character is portrayed correctly.  The stage and prop team learn how to change each scene in a quick and efficient manor, making sure each actor has the props needed for a given scene.  They use an iPad and sound board for music and microphones and can fade each scene in and out.  The light board in connected to audio system so that the students can use full lighting or dim.  They are responsible for knowing what “phase” of light to use for each scene as well.  The drama program runs smoothly because of our tech crew.

Computer Science For all

Students at Sierra Verde STEAM Academy all learn to write computer code from an early age. Students build robots, fly drones and Microbits to test their computational thinking beginning in kindergarten. As students get older they are challenged to use "The Engineering Design Process," to apply code to their custom builds that incorporate senorsa, servos and LED lights. Each Sierra Verde student is challenged to take risks and understand that we learn from failure. #failforward