Mrs. Poerio

Teacher e-mail: ZPoerio@sldm.srces.org

AMAZON wish list link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1UHRMEUGCKME7?ref_=wl_share 

STREAM Lab

      ST. LOUISE DE MARILLAC CATHOLIC SCHOOL continues its commitment to our STREAM initiative. We are very grateful to all of those who helped to make the redesign of the computer lab space, new equipment, and flexible seating* a reality.  When students in grades k- 8 visit the STREAM Lab this year, they will see 10 Dell Windows based PC computers.  (We added 4 new desktop computers, so we have a total of 10 that are connected to the printer in the STREAM lab for student use.) Students still have access to an iPad cart with 30 ipads as well as  a Chromebook cart with 30 touch screen Chromebooks. We will continue with hands-on activities and projects to build our Computer Science Curriculum at all levels in our flexible learning spaces.* (Students in Grades 5 - 8 are 1:1 with Chrome books, but will still have the opportunity to use the devices in the lab!)

We will continue improving keyboarding and typing skills at every level. Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety will also be a big focus for all classes. We will work on projects using the Google Workspace for word processing, spreadsheets, drawings, and slide shows. 

We will continue to learn more about coding and Computer Science throughout the year and will continue our participation in the Hour of Code events in December. There will be more opportunities for students to build competencies in STREAM to develop problem solving skills and creativity while supporting the curricular goals of the school. 

The iPads are used for interdisciplinary activities to practice math, science, and reading skills with OSMO, drawing with online apps, photography, filmmaking, voice recording, coding projects, robotics, gamification to learn vocabulary and various concepts, and using Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Students love using the iPads with the MERGE VR Cubes and there are many new cross-curricular activities that can be  used with the cubes. Students will continue to use BeeBots, Dash and Dot, Finch, Root, and Marty the Robot. 

We have littleBits, MakeyMakey, and Puzzlets.  We recently added updated models of the Sphero and Ozobot robots for our coding activities.  

We have small drones that fly and record video. We have tools for game creation and even some no tech "unplugged" options for learning about computer science. We have a 3D Printer and students enjoy the opportunity to print and display what they have created.

In the video studio area we record the morning announcements and students can record audio podcasts, make films, edit, create stop motion animation projects, and use green screen effects.  

We continue to add items to provide more activities for engineering challenges using our LEGO Wall, Dominoes, and Keva Planks. This Summer we added additional dominoes and Legos to our sets for even more opportunities to design unique projects. We have so many great things happening in the STREAM Lab and we can’t wait to see the students create this year.

Note about the flexible seating: The STREAM lab has 3 height adjustable tables. The puzzle shaped tables can be moved into different configurations depending on the activity for the day.  This also means that the students have choices about where to sit or stand for classwork and collaboration. Standing provides great health benefits and is a great option when working on projects like building structures with the KEVA planks! We have six (6) Buoy chairs. A Buoy’s curved base, rocking motion and height adjust-ability engage your core and promote good posture. We have two (2) Node Chairs on wheels that can also be arranged or moved for partner work.