Frequently Asked Questions

Please check back with us! This site will be updated as details become finalized.

  1. What is STEAM?

STEAM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.


  1. Why STEAM?

STEAM aims to help students enhance their critical thinking skills and recognize the intersection of art, science, technology, engineering, and math.

It gives students tools and methods to explore new and creative ways of problem-solving, displaying data, innovating, and linking multiple fields. The arts and STEM subjects naturally complement and inform each other, so implementing STEAM principles into education allows for more understanding, innovation and a cohesive education in the classroom.

In today’s world, setting students up for future success means exposing them to these disciplines holistically in order to develop their critical thinking skills. “Education is under pressure to respond to a changing world,” writes Jeevan Vasagar in a Financial Times article, Countries that excel at problem- solving encourage critical thinking. “As repetitive tasks are eroded by technology and outsourcing, the ability to solve novel problems have become increasingly vital.”


  1. When and where is the STEAM Showcase?

The STEAM Showcase will be held virtually. Projects are submitted on, or before June 1st, and the STEAM Showcase will go live on June 5th. The projects will be viewed on the district website, the STEAM Showcase website, and on social media.


  1. How is the STEAM Showcase different from a traditional science fair?

At the STEAM Showcase, students will be able to present projects that do not fit the traditional Science experiment model, while highlighting their learning in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.


  1. Can I still submit a traditional science fair project?

Yes! The STEAM Innovation showcase welcomes projects of all types. Please consider how your science project incorporates math or other STEAM subjects.


  1. What if my school doesn't have a STEAM fair?

No problem! The HUSD STEAM Showcase has an open entry policy.

ALL HUSD students who challenge themselves to create a STEAM project are allowed to enter. We love to see students who take the initiative to plan and execute projects at home!

Please be aware that projects are subject to approval, and you may be asked to explain your project in more detail. So, be extra clear when you are completing the entry form!


  1. Will there be awards?

All student who submit a project in the Virtual STEAM Showcase will receive a certificate in the mail and their work will be showcased online, including the district website and social media platforms.


  1. Are the weekly challenges mandatory?

No. The weekly challenges are optional. They are designed to encourage you to think about STEAM and the types of projects that are possible.


  1. Can I submit a weekly challenge project AND an original project?

Yes! You may complete as many of the weekly challenges as you like. We would love to see these as soon as you can submit. You may also submit a project of your own creation by June 1st.


  1. In what format should my project be?

All projects need to include a short (5 minutes or fewer) video, a photo, and an abstract (summary of your project).


  1. What kinds of projects are possible?

    1. 3-D Design, Printing, Rapid Prototyping

    2. App Creation

    3. Art Integration (Visual or Performing Arts)

    4. Animation (2D or 3D)

    5. Coding (games, apps, projects)

    6. Engineering

    7. Experience Center

    8. Math-based projects or challenges

    9. Multimedia

    10. Personalized Learning/ Research Project

    11. Robotics

    12. Scientific Investigation and/or Experiment

    13. Virtual Reality or Augmented Reality

    14. Anything that integrates STEAM subjects!!


  1. Is the theme mandatory?

No, but strongly encouraged!


  1. What should I include in my video?

Your video should be no longer than 5-minutes long. Make sure you have all of the elements of your project together. Explain what you created and why. Explain the purpose of your project, how you made it, and what the results were. Please check to make sure your surroundings are appropriate and edit out any "down time".


  1. How do I post my video?

1) Follow this link: https://flipgrid.com/wright3123

2) Enter the password: steam2020

3) Click red "Let's Go" button

4) Scroll down to the green plus sign and click on it

5) Select "Get Started"

6) Login with Google or Microsoft accounts

7) Create your video (or upload from your device)

8) Click on the green arrow

9) Take a selfie.

10) Put your grade level and school site in your title!

11) Press submit! Congratulations! You did it!