At Claypool Elementary, the STEM curriculum is strategically aligned with Indiana State Standards and the Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) District STEM Strategic Plan for 2024-2029. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are immersed in inquiry-based, hands-on learning experiences that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. The curriculum emphasizes core areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while integrating real-world problem-solving activities.

We leverage tools like LEGO materials, Sphero robotics, and coding (Computer Science) to enhance learning, equipping students with foundational computer science and engineering skills. This approach supports the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) STEM priorities, which focus on equity, quality instruction, and preparing students for future-ready careers. By prioritizing access for all students and embedding STEM into daily instruction, Claypool Elementary is committed to developing well-rounded, future-ready learners who are prepared to excel in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Action Plan Progress:

Curriculum development began in 2023–2024 with integrating hands-on, real-world learning experiences such as an Eclipse-themed unit and animal expert visits. In 2024–2025, the focus shifted to embedding STEM within literacy through targeted professional development and mapping interdisciplinary connections. Additionally, Earth Day trips were expanded to involve more grade levels, and initial Computer Science integration began with training for the Digital Learning Specialist. By 2025–2026, Claypool will aim for full institutionalization of STEM practices in core content areas and the full implementation of a school-wide Computer Science curriculum, ensuring every student consistently engaged with STEM-rich learning.

2023-2026 Action Plan Link

2.1 Curriculum Integration

At Claypool Elementary, STEM is integrated into a variety of subject areas, enriching the learning experience across disciplines. This cross-curricular approach allows students to see the connections between STEM and real-world applications. For example, in language arts, students might engage in projects where they design and code interactive stories using block-based programming tools, blending creativity with technology. In social studies, students use LEGO materials to build models of historical structures, incorporating principles of engineering while learning about cultural significance.

This seamless integration of STEM not only strengthens core subject understanding but also promotes problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation, aligning with our commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.

2.2 Curriculum Implementation

At Claypool Elementary, STEM is integrated across various subject areas, ensuring that students experience interdisciplinary learning that connects scientific concepts with real-world applications. For example, in science, students might use LEGO materials to model engineering structures, while in math, they apply coding principles to solve problems using Sphero robotics. These activities not only enhance student engagement but also strengthen critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Our partnerships with the Zimmer Biomet (ROBOTICS), Everwise Credit Union, Lilly Center, and the Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District further enrich the curriculum. These collaborations provide students with hands-on computer science and environmental education opportunities, such as water quality testing and learning about local ecosystems, helping to connect STEM learning with local community resources and environmental stewardship.

This holistic approach ensures that Claypool's STEM curriculum is both academically rigorous and deeply rooted in practical, real-world experiences.

2.2 Curriculum Implementation

2.3 Computer Science

At Claypool Elementary, computer science is woven into the curriculum for all grades, K-6, ensuring that students build foundational digital literacy from an early age. Each grade level engages with age-appropriate coding, problem-solving, and computational thinking activities.

For example, in the lower grades, students use visual programming platforms like Scratch Jr. to create simple animations, helping them grasp the basics of sequencing and loops. By the time they reach grades 4-6, students progress to more advanced projects like programming Sphero robots to navigate obstacle courses, developing deeper coding skills while applying their understanding of mathematics and physics concepts. This comprehensive integration of computer science empowers students to develop the critical thinking and digital fluency necessary for future academic and career success.

2.3 Computer Science

2.4 Employability Skills

At Claypool Elementary, we are committed to preparing our students not only academically but also for future success by integrating Indiana's Employability Skills into our project-based learning (PBL) activities and daily classroom routines. These employability skills—such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and work ethic—are woven into the fabric of our curriculum, ensuring that students develop the competencies they need to thrive in both their academic journeys and future careers.

Our PBLs serve as the foundation for this integration, offering students real-world challenges that require them to work collaboratively, think critically, and communicate effectively. For example, in STEM-related PBLs such as building robotic prototypes or creating sustainable ecosystems, students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Through these projects, students are tasked with defining problems, brainstorming solutions, and reflecting on the results—skills that align directly with employability standards. Additionally, students learn to manage time, meet deadlines, and adapt to feedback, which strengthens their accountability and work ethic.

These employability skills are not only emphasized in PBLs but also reinforced through our daily classroom meetings. Each morning, teachers lead discussions focused on key soft skills such as perseverance, teamwork, and effective communication. During these meetings, students set personal and academic goals, participate in problem-solving scenarios, and reflect on how they can apply these skills both inside and outside the classroom. This daily reinforcement allows students to practice these competencies in a supportive environment, building their confidence and ability to apply them in more complex projects.

By intentionally embedding employability standards into both our PBLs and daily routines, Claypool ensures that students develop a strong foundation of skills that will serve them in their future education and careers. Our approach creates an environment where students are not only mastering academic content but also becoming effective communicators, problem solvers, and collaborators—skills that are essential in the workforce and beyond.

2.4 Employability Skills

2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners

At Claypool Elementary, we are committed to ensuring STEM access and opportunity for all learners, guided by our "engage everyone" philosophy. Our actions and plans focus on providing equitable, high-quality STEM experiences to students of all backgrounds and abilities. We incorporate a variety of engaging tools, such as LEGO materials, Sphero robotics, and coding platforms, to make STEM learning accessible and exciting for every student, from kindergarten through sixth grade.

Our curriculum is designed with differentiated instruction and hands-on projects that allow students to explore STEM concepts in ways that resonate with their unique learning styles. We collaborate with community partners and leverage the Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) District STEM Strategic Plan to ensure that every student has meaningful opportunities to engage in STEM activities. Additionally, we continually align our efforts with Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) priorities to promote inclusion, diversity, and innovation in the classroom, ensuring that no student is left behind in their STEM journey.

Our future plans include expanding partnerships with local organizations, integrating more project-based learning activities, and providing professional development for educators to further enhance STEM instruction. These efforts aim to create a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive and develop the skills needed for success in the 21st century.

2.5 Access and Opportunity for All Learners

2.6 Assessments

At Claypool School, we employ a variety of STEM assessments as part of a holistic approach to ensure that our data is both accurate and valid. These assessments are designed to measure not just student knowledge, but also their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and application of STEM concepts in real-world scenarios. By utilizing formative, summative, and project-based assessments, we gain a comprehensive view of student progress and understanding.

This data is essential in shaping future instructional practices, allowing us to tailor our teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of our students. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that every student is supported on their STEM learning journey, and our assessment practices help us stay aligned with state standards and instructional goals. This dynamic approach enables us to adapt and enhance our STEM curriculum, driving student success and engagement.

2.6 Assessments