Mrs. Cataldo's Website!

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

Current Projects

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 - Survivor Nation

• In this hands-on project, students will form their own “nations” in various regions of the United States. Each nation will design and build shelters, establish gardens, and provide fresh water for their community

• Incorporates engineering principles, spatial reasoning, and teamwork along with design In the forms of flags and totem poles.

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 - Data Gardening and Gathering

• Students will explore plant growth by planting in both soil and hydroponic systems, carefully tracking time and measuring growth along the way. Using the data they collect, they will create interactive pop-up books to showcase their findings in a creative and engaging way.

• Students will apply their math skills to record measurements, create graphs, and analyze growth patterns, then use the engineering design process to plan, design, and refine their pop-up books. By combining data analysis with creative problem-solving, they will transform their research into an organized and engaging final product.

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

• A hands on design and make challenge that have the students working on five different parts of a town, building landmarks that the neighborhoods center around .

  1. Safety and Health Neighborhood

  2. Education and Leadership Neighborhood

  3. Goods and Services Neighborhood

  4. Parks and Public Services Neighborhood

  5. Innovation, Transportation and Utilities Neighborhood

• Develops fine motor skills, creativity, and an understanding of how workers, businesses,  buildings, and landmarks work together to make a town Into a community.

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.