STEAM Education

Why S.T.E.A.M.?

"STEAM represents a paradigm shift from traditional education philosophy, based on standardized test scores, to a modern ideal which focuses on valuing the learning process as much as the results. In essence, we dare our students to be wrong, to try multiple ideas, listen to alternate opinions and create a knowledge base that is applicable to real life as opposed to simply an exam."

~Deron Cameron

Former UPES Principal – US's 1st STEAM Certified School

Current TCSS Curriculum Coordinator

Try a STEAM Challenge at Home

Try a Challenge at home! What can you do with…?

Continue the fun of the STEAM Lab at home with the following challenges. For each challenge, your job is to find an innovative way to turn an everyday object into something brand new. Once your creation is complete, email a picture (please do not send in the creation) of your family with the creation to mstettner@lebtwpk8.org. I would love to see whatyou are creating at home! The Challenges are for families of all students and staff in grades PK-4 here at Valley View.

Monthly Home Challenges are:

October: What can you do with a Paper Bag?

November: Design a Cup that can hold water using only one piece of paper.

December: What can you do with an Unsharpened Pencil?

January: What can you do with a Rubber Band?

February: Design a Table that will hold a book using only one piece of paper.

March: What can you do with a Straw?

April: Design a Tower using only newspaper.

May: What can you do with an Empty Milk Carton?

Directions: Create something (anything) using any size or brand of the specified item.

Goal: The project should be designed to perform a specific function or task, and actually work. The project should be well constructed.

Constraints: The item listed for the Challenge should be the focal point of your project, however you may use any additional materials.

Optional Materials: STEM Mini-Journal (This does not need to be turned in. It is only meant to help guide you through the process)

THINK CREATIVELY, and Remember to use the design process! Even if it doesn't work exactly how you expect at first, don't get frustrated! I know each of you will be able to make 'The Most Magnificent Thing'!