STEAM / Makerspace

Students in Kindergarten through Grade Six will have the opportunity to learn and explore STEAM activities once a week. Using both digital and physical materials, students create projects while learning new techniques that focus on science, technology, engineering, math and the arts. The "A" is included in our description of STEM because the products we create should include a positive appeal to our senses. I often think of our classroom as a makerspace.

Our year will begin with lessons on digital citizenship to prepare our students for the all-consuming and challenging 21st Century world of the Internet and the Internet of Things. Our digital citizenship standards are based on the ISTE Standards. We use the Common Sense Media curriculum to guide our lessons.

All students and parents will receive and sign our Mountain Views Acceptable Use Policy.

In addition to computers and computer coding, we will create using the MakeyMakey, Lego kits, Spheros, Gigglebots, the Cricut machine and a bit of 3D printing. I also hope to be teaching the Bare Conductive Touch Board. This year we have added Finchbots, Hummingbirds, and Blue Bots to our collection of robots. Other projects include brushbots, sewing with conductive thread, paper circuits and many cardboard and paper creations. Lessons are guided by grade level abilities.

My main teaching goals are to inspire creativity and collaboration. I want my students to be makers rather than consumers. They are encouraged to be active (making games) rather than passive (playing games). These goals align with our Portrait of a Graduate Strategic Plan.

More information can be found on  Mrs. Vaughn's STEAM website