STEAM Lab is a place to explore and discover Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics while adding the component of innovation for students to create and make stuff.

My goal is to create a space where students learn how to be scientists and engineers, all while doing hands on activities and experiments. Students also practice communication skills to accomplish a task, while working in pairs or with a group. Our work in the STEAM Lab will also help students develop a growth-mind set or learn from our mistakes, try again and don't give up when things are hard.

STEAM Mind-Set

This song "Get Back up Again" sums up my thoughts on preserving as we learn and try new things. Every student is important and can learn even when things are hard. With this mindset and as we help each other we accomplish amazing things!

Lessons for STEAM are developed for each grade level and align with Greenville County School District Science, Technology and Math standards. They incorporate Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) which are as follows:

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Scientists ask and refine questions about phenomena that lead to explanations of how the natural and designed world(s) works. Engineers ask questions to define the problems, identify constraints, and determine criteria for an effective solution.

Developing and Using Models

Scientists construct and use models to help develop and understand explanations about natural phenomena. Engineers use models as helpful tools to test proposed systems and to recognize strengths and limitations of new designs.

Planning and Carrying out Scientific Investigations

Scientists use observations and data collected to test existing theories and explanations or to revise and develop new ones. Engineers use investigations to gain data to specify design criteria and to test their designs.

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Scientists use a range of tools to identify the significant features and patterns in data. Engineers use a range of tools and analyze data collected in the tests of their designs and investigations.

Use Mathematical and Computational Thinking

Scientists use mathematics and computation as tools for representing physical variables and their relationships. Engineers use mathematical and computational representations of established relationships and principles as an integral part of design.

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Scientists construct logically coherent explanations of phenomena that are consistent with the available evidence. Engineers’ designs are based on scientific knowledge and models of the material world.

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Scientists identify the strengths and weaknesses of a line of reasoning to engage in argument for finding the best explanation of a natural phenomenon. Engineers engage in argument from evidence to find the best possible solution to a problem.

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Scientists derive meaning from texts and evaluate the validity of information to then communicate ideas. Engineers derive meaning from other’s work and texts and evaluate the information, to apply it usefully to express their ideas.

Link to the grounding research for the SEPs from the NRC Framework.

Click here for a more comprehensive Syllabus

For more specific plans or to know what is happening in STEAM Lab please email me at jdyrhaug@greenville.k12.sc.us or give me a call at 864-355-0899 I will be happy to answer your questions!