What is STEAM?

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 for STEAM

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 Standards

Following the STEAM guidelines for Greenville County Schools, lessons are developed for each grade level and align with the districts 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 an 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.

STEAM Lab Expectations, Procedures and Other Policies:

Expectations & Conduct: 

SAFE Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.

Use materials correctly.

Voice volume, tone and words

RESPONSIBLE Follow directions

Focus on task 

Take care of the room, materials, and each other.

RESPECTFUL Actively Listen

Be mindful

Use  If students are having a hard time following these expectations and behavior is an issue the following will happen:

1. Reminder of expectation.

2. Time to reflect: a moment to get in control or think about choices to correct behavior. Sometimes a written response sheet for reflection will be given based on repetition of behavior. 

3. If behavior is still an issue, a classroom discipline report will be filled out and a possible phone call home. 

The STEAM lab will follow the school behavior plan for any other incidents that may happen. 

Procedures: 

Students come into the lab quietly and find their seat. The first 10-15 min. of class will be a discussion, lesson, and information regarding their challenge or work for the day while in the lab. 

While working in the lab students are to use a quiet voice, talking is allowed as long as it maintains a quiet level and focuses on the learning topic. Students will work independently, in pairs, and in a group for different challenges throughout the school year. 

Materials that are used in the lab will need to be used for the intent they were made for, carefully and gently. Many of our learning tools look like toys (they are), but in school they are learning tools. We will use them to learn and explore. Materials are to remain in the lab, unless it is a project they created using consumable products. If caught stealing (taking any material not permitted out of the classroom) a classroom discipline report or office referral will be filled out and contact to a parent/guardian will be made. 

The majority of our time in the STEAM Lab will be hands-on working. During this work time students are expected to work quietly and focused on the challenge given. If students are choosing to sleep, play or refuse to work they will be reminded of what they are expected to do in the lab. If the behavior continues students will have a chance to reflect with a written reflection sheet and conference with me. If needed a discipline report or phone call home will be made as well to discuss with the parent how to help their student be successful. 

Students will be expected at the end of class time to clean up quickly, quietly, and to put everything back in its place before lining up quietly to leave.  

Other Policies:

Restroom Breaks- Students are expected to use the bathroom before coming to STEAM, eliminating the need to have to go while in the lab. The first 10-15 minutes of class will be when we have our class discussion, lesson and directions for the challenge, during this time no bathroom breaks will be given. Once students are working and if it's an emergency, students will be allowed to use the restroom across the hall from the lab. Students will need to ask first, as I will only send one at a time. They are expected to use it quickly and quietly. The last 5 minutes of class are for us to clean up, reflect and line up so students who ask to use the bathroom then will be asked to wait until they return to class. 

Food & Drinks - Students do not need to bring food or water to the lab. If they do, they will be asked to place it to the side and will not be allowed to eat or drink during the STEAM lab time. 

Chromebooks - Sometimes Chromebooks will be used in the lab. Students are expected to use their devices responsibly at all times. Parents will be responsible for any damage students purposely inflict on the chromebook. 

ELearning - GCS is an approved eLearning District. This means that make-up days are no longer scheduled in the yearly calendar. Students will be required to participate in eLearning. Assignments will be posted in google classroom and/or a live google meet will be provided for instruction.