Mrs. Cataldo's Website!

As deadlines and due dates approach for projects, teams may work on them at home.

Overview of active projects tailored to specific grade levels, integrating STEAM principles and interdisciplinary learning.

Grade 6 - STEAMTank

• Students collaborate to design and pitch innovative solutions to a pressing global challenge.   Students will build their financial literacy skills by pricing their Items Incorparating unit price ratios and profit margins.   They will also develop a sales pitch and marketing advertising plan.

• Emphasis on engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship, culminating in a presentation to a panel of judges.

Grade 5 - Panasonic Eco-Challenge  - Think Globally, Act Locally

• A sustainability-focused actionable project where students design eco-friendly solutions to environmental issues.

• Encourages research, creativity, and presentation skills with a focus on real-world impact.

Grade 4 - Erosion and Protection using CAD

• Fourth graders combine 3D computer-aided design (CAD) with environmental engineering and digital citizenship! After mastering Tinkercad to navigate 3D space, group shapes, and scale precise models, students explore online safety through literary discussions. Working in engineering teams, they design, 3D-model, and test habitat barrier prototypes to protect local wildlife and prevent coastal erosion.

Grade 3 - Extreme Weather - Weatherproof the Roof

• Communities today face new challenges due to climate change, and building structures can no longer rely on old methods to build.  In this project, students will combine their understanding of community needs and weather patterns to design and build structures that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

• To tackle this project, students will use the engineering design process by identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and creating plans that address both community needs and weather challenges. They will build models, test their ideas, collect data, and then improve their designs through revisions, ensuring their final structures are both practical and resilient.

Grade 2 - Safety, Pollinators and Toys

• Second graders step into the shoes of inventors and coders! They dive into introductory programming concepts like sequencing, loops, and debugging, alongside essential internet safety habits. Applying their knowledge to hands-on engineering challenges, students design biomimicry pollination tools inspired by nature and build, test, and advertise original prototypes in our Toy Inventors Workshop.

Grade 1 - Woodworking & 3D Design: Decorative Vases

• A hands-on woodworking/3D project where students learn basic tools and techniques in laser design /3D printing to create decorative vases.

• Develops fine motor skills, creativity, and an appreciation for craftsmanship.

Kinder - Landmarks in Little Hands - Building Our Community Town Together

• Our youngest learners explore foundational science and technology concepts through hands-on building and interactive discovery. Kindergarteners learn digital citizenship and basic coding using tangible Kibo robots. They also become mini-engineers by testing physical properties to design wildlife bridges and construct shade structures that reduce solar heat on our playground.

Creativity Challenges

• Engaging activities designed to inspire imaginative thinking and innovation. Examples include brainstorming sessions, artistic tasks, and creating unique solutions to hypothetical scenarios.

Problem Solving

• Activities focused on critical thinking, logical reasoning, and collaborative decision-making.

• Students work on real-world problems or puzzles that challenge their cognitive and teamwork skills.

Projects

• Structured, goal-oriented tasks that allow students to apply their learning in a meaningful context.

• Projects encourage planning, execution, and reflection while showcasing their creativity and skills.

Hands-on Learning

• Interactive learning experiences where students engage directly with materials, tools, and resources.

• Examples include experiments, model-building, and simulations to deepen understanding through practice.

Support STEAM

Ask open-ended questions:

• Encourage curiosity by asking "why" and "how" questions to stimulate critical thinking and problem-sol

Connect STEAM to daily life:

• Explain scientific concepts behind everyday activities like cooking, gardening, or building something. 

Hands-on exploration:

• Provide opportunities for experimentation through activities like building with blocks, mixing ingredients in the kitchen, or observing nature. 

Creative expression:

• Encourage artistic endeavors like drawing, painting, sculpting, or designing to integrate the "A" (art) aspect of STEAM. 

Outdoor learning:

• Explore nature to learn about ecosystems, weather patterns, and natural phenomena. 

Read together:

• Choose books with STEAM themes and discuss the scientific concepts presented. 

Coding and technology:

• Introduce basic coding concepts through age-appropriate apps or platforms. 

Collaborate on projects:

• Work together on building models, conducting science experiments, or designing solutions to problems. 

Model curiosity:

• Show your own interest in learning by asking questions and exploring new things alongside your child.

Encourage Independence and Routines:

• Establish consistent routines for homework.

• Assign simple chores to build responsibility and confidence.  

• Have your child set up their own small, quiet study place.

• Have your child be accountable for all assignments and homework.

Foster Emotional Growth: 

• Discuss emotions, practice problem-solving, and celebrate effort over results.  

• Encourage creativity through play, arts, and crafts.  

• Explain to your child that the quality of their work is as important as persistence and grit.

Stay Involved with School:

• Communicate with teachers and attend school events. 

• Stay informed about classroom curriculum and find ways to reinforce concepts at home.