About the Center

Mission Statement

The STEAM Innovation Center will engage students by providing integrated opportunities in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics to be risk takers, collaborative problem solvers, effective communicators, and proactive 21st century global citizens.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to have a specialized Center where all children, grades K-8, are fully engaged and actively involved in their education, where every child is challenged and their individual, and exceptional, learning needs are being met. The Center will provide all children experiences that promote tolerance and respect for other individuals and cultures and to develop self-directed and life-long learners with the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the 21st century. Our vision is to be part of a community of learners that extends beyond the walls of the Center and into the community at large, incorporating the abundance of opportunities the Racine community has to offer and share with its students.

Our Values

Fun (Putting the FUN back into the FUNdamentals)

Having spontaneous, playful, and collaborative hands-on learning that sparks a passion for deeper exploration of subject matter. Learning that is FUN is not forgotten!

Integrity

Build the trust of our community, along with programs that allow learners to pursue their passions and express who they truly are. Racine needs these type of students to build a sustainable community.

Mindfulness

Being mindful is not just a state of being but is a daily practice done on purpose in the present moment without judgement.

Resilience

We develop learners who are curious, courageous, and adaptable through any challenge that comes their way. The world, and the Racine community, will need students who are ready to address the challenges of the future.

Innovation

Foster learners who harness their creative abilities to uncover new ways of looking at and solving real world problems.

Confidence

We are all capable of achieving big things by practicing a positive, “can-do” attitude and being ready to take on big challenges.

Adapted from Lab 11235

What is STEAM Learning?

STEAM learning is an interconnected approach to learning science, technology, engineering, art, and math. While each of these fields are distinct, STEAM learning removes the traditional barriers separating the disciplines. STEAM learning seeks to take advantage of the similarities and interplay of skills and knowledge among these fields to weave together a rich and meaningful learning environment. Students identify ways that disciplines are interrelated, and how they reinforce and complement one another.

It can be helpful to not think of STEAM as a rigid and already defined curriculum, but as more of a lens through which to look at what and how students can learn and excel in new ways. Where academic success was once defined by ingesting and recalling information in more static ways, STEAM focuses on education through problem-solving, collaboration, experimentation, self-expression and more. STEAM curriculum and projects designed by teachers and professionals can teach students how to learn in ways that create a love of learning. Passion for STEAM can help the youth of the United States innovate themselves into a future of continued innovation and success.

“The gardener does not make the plant grow. The job of a gardener is to create optimal conditions.”

Sir Ken Robinson