PHOTOS 

EASTER activities:

https://www.thekidzpage.com/free-kids-games-html5/easter-chicks-memory-game/index.html

https://www.abcya.com/games/easter_egg_hunt

https://www.squiglysplayhouse.com/Games/HTML5/Puzzle/HappyEasterGame/index.php

Older Description of STREAM LAB: 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.  This year we added more robots, hands on activities, and will continue to build our Computer Science Curriculum at all levels.

When students in grades k- 8 visit the STREAM Lab this year, they will see the Dell Windows based PC computers.  We have a few MAC computers in the lab, so students will continue to be exposed to both platforms. We also have several ipads which can be used in our flexible seating 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 Suite of tools 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 newer iPads will enable us to access apps including those with Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) components. These newer iPads will supplement our iPad cart which is used for interdisciplinary activities to practice math, science, and reading skills with OSMO, drawing with online apps, photography, filmmaking, voice recording, coding projects, robotics, and learning more about the benefits of using VR and 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. We plan to continue to add new apps to our iPads throughout the year. We have added new robots to the mix to help us test out our coding. Students will be familiar with Dash and Dot, Sphero, EVO, Ozobot, BeeBots, and Finch, but thanks to some recent donations, we have added robots that can be built, reconfigured, and programmed using the iPads. We have robots that can be programmed to draw shapes, angles, and original art. We have littleBits, MakeyMakey, and Puzzlets. 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 using online tools.

Three (3) divider panels separate the lab from a video studio area. These panels are movable and they are also white boards so students can use them to ideate for projects. In the studio, students can record audio podcasts, make films, edit, create stop motion animation projects, and use green screen effects.   

We continue to adding items to provide more activities for engineering challenges including a LEGO Wall and Keva Planks. We have so many great things happening in the STREAM Lab and we can’t wait to see the students create this year. This STREAM Lab is a DREAM Lab. Thanks again for all the support to make this possible. 

Note about the flexible seating: The STREAM lab has 3 height adjustable tables. The chairs around these tables can be stacked and the 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 robots! We also 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.