At Walnut Elementary School, we incorporate the CREATE2THINK STEM Curriculum across grades Kindergarten to 5th, laying a solid foundation in science and engineering for our students. Our adoption of this curriculum is grounded in evidence, adhering to the reputable 5E Instructional Model. The stages of CREATE2THINK dovetail impeccably with the 5E model - Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate - offering our students a research-driven, step-by-step approach to STEM education. Moreover, CREATE2THINK is meticulously aligned with Indiana's Academic Standards in science and engineering, ensuring our students not only flourish in a nurturing and inventive learning ambiance, but also fulfill the stringent educational mandates of the state.

Walnut Elementary School has wholeheartedly adopted CREATE2THINK as a pivotal element of our STEM initiative and educational methodology. Through this pioneering program, our students have delved into an array of imaginative projects, critical analysis tasks, and cooperative problem-solving endeavors, sparking their inquisitiveness and fostering their innovative mindset. CREATE2THINK has indeed metamorphosed our school into a vibrant nexus of STEM involvement, equipping our students to evolve into assured, progressive individuals prepared to address the challenges awaiting them in the future.

Walnut Elementary is dedicated to offering computer science learning opportunities to all students, thanks to a strategic partnership with Equitable Education Solutions (EES). EES's carefully designed Computer Science Scope and Sequence, aligned with Indiana Academic Standards and tailored to different grade levels, guarantees the seamless integration of computer science education across every classroom. Equipped with well-structured lesson plans and engaging activities, Walnut's teachers can effectively introduce students to computer science concepts, delivering a comprehensive and enriching educational experience that reaches every student in our school.

In a dedicated endeavor to cultivate well-rounded, career-ready individuals, Walnut Elementary integrates the Indiana Employability Skills framework seamlessly into the daily curriculum for all students. By combining interactive classroom instruction, real-world problem-solving exercises, and community engagement initiatives, Walnut Elementary guarantees that each student acquires essential employability skills. This approach paves the way for their success in the ever-evolving workforce of tomorrow.

Walnut Elementary School is dedicated to creating an educational environment that prioritizes inclusivity and benefits all students, including those in need of special educational services. Our general classroom teachers and Special Education experts collaborate closely, fostering a strong partnership to ensure that every student has equitable access to both STEM and general educational opportunities. This collaborative approach goes beyond best practices; it is deeply embedded in our educational philosophy. Our goal is to seamlessly integrate STEM learning into the broader curriculum while also meticulously designing and implementing personalized accommodations to meet the unique needs of each student.

At Walnut Elementary, we embrace a wide array of assessment methods to thoroughly evaluate STEM education within our classrooms. Our dedicated educators utilize a combination of both formal and informal assessments, encompassing both formative and summative techniques, to gain a holistic understanding of each student's progress and grasp of the subject matter. At the heart of this process lies the CREATE2THINK curriculum, which offers an extensive range of assessment tools, including Exit Tickets, Performance Tasks, THINK Journals, and Unit rubrics. This multifaceted approach to assessment not only provides a comprehensive view of students' comprehension of STEM concepts but also fosters a culture of constructive feedback, driving continuous learning and improvement.