STEAM

SMARTLAB GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Engaged Learners Authentically connect to their learning​

Empowered Learners​ Own their learning and make an impact​

Experiential Learning ​Connects content and careers​

Personalized Learning ​Provides voice and choice to meet each learner’s needs​

Collaborative Learning​ Promotes essential life and leadership skills

AREAS OF EXPLORATION:

Circuitry

Circuitry shows learners how electricity powers the world around them. Students design and build circuits with programmable microcontrollers like micro: bit and Arduino.

Communication & Media Arts

Learners develop technical skills to express themselves through a wide range of media. Students use technology to tell meaningful stories, clearly explain complex concepts, and effectively document and share their work.

Environmental Technology

Environmental Technology explores effective resource management and the human impact on our environment. Students learn about and propose solutions to environmental challenges.

Manufacturing Technology

Manufacturing Technology develops the skills to design and make original products. Students learn human-centered design principles and how to build products that solve problems.

Mechanics & Structures

Mechanics & Structures explores the work of engineers who design and build machines, bridges, towers, and more. Students progress from simple machines and basic construction to more advanced mechanisms and complex structures. Students plan, measure and collect data and iterate to achieve specific results.

Robotics & Control Technology

Robotics & Control Technology explores the intersection between mechanical engineering and computer science. Students learn to design, build, and program robotic creations. Learners progress from simple navigation tasks to complex challenges to designing, building, and programming original robotic creations.

Scientific Data & Analysis

Scientific Data and analysis focuses on collecting and interpreting data through intentional experimentation.

Students test hypotheses by gathering data through various means, including computer-connected sensors. Learners explore data sources to organize and present relevant information about their communities.

Software Engineering

Software Engineering develops computational thinking and other skills relevant to various career fields. Students gain valuable tools for approaching complex problems over a range of contexts.

My name is Sarah Bernauer, and I am excited to be your child’s STEAM teacher this year! This year will be filled with fun, exploration, challenges, and personal growth. 

I am a Colorado native and grew up in Castle Rock. I am joining LPS from Denver Public Schools, where I served many roles, including classroom teacher, literacy/math specialist, and technology teacher. I have a B.A. in Spanish and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. This will be my 23rd year teaching and my first year in LPS. I am thrilled to teach in my community and join the Little Raven family!

My husband and I live in Centennial, and our kids all attend LPS schools.  My husband is from the Netherlands (Hup Holland Hup!), and we have five children- Lucas (17), Sophie (16), Liam (11), Stella (7), Scarlett (5), and our furry family member, Forrest.  

In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, running, watching my kids' events, and sitting on the front porch with family and friends.

I will post photos of student work, curriculum, and projects throughout the year, so keep an eye out! 

Please feel free to reach out with questions - sbernauer@lps.k12.co.us