CALUMET — CLK Elementary students are motivated to reach for more. In fact, they’re now learning skills usually not introduced until middle or high school. Along with reading, writing and math, elementary students and Junior Kings (young fives) at CLK Elementary are adding technology to their skillset… learning concepts like programming and coding.

In CLK’s new STEAM class–science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics–taught by Amy Burmeister, student projects vary based on age and capabilities. Fifth graders paint a robot, then create a circuit for the back that will light it up. Fourth graders produce self-portraits using Photoshop. Third graders make an “art bot” that includes a circuit with a motor and propellor. And in kindergarten, first, and second grade, students use different STEAM variables to build a house.

For the house project, students work together to devise a structure using index cards, learning the basics of engineering, architecture, and balance. Next, students use basic shapes to build a scale-model house out of paper, cutting the paper into different shapes, making composite shapes (two or more shapes put together). After the paper model is complete, students move to the STEAM lab, where they draw their house digitally on iPads. Next, students build their houses out of clay, incorporating science by learning what minerals clay and glaze is made out of and the chemical reaction that occurs in the kiln.

The Building Blocks Approach

Each STEAM project takes a ‘building blocks’ approach, with each step more complex than the one before. Students are inspired to explore and learn new things, connecting the dots as they go, with support and guidance from the teacher. “When the students make those connections between the different subject matters, you can see their excitement,” says STEAM teacher Amy Burmeister. “The kids want to figure out the next step. They see what they’ve done, and apply that learning to what’s next. They’re motivated to continue on the path of learning to get to their final result.”

Inspiring creativity, increased peer interaction, and developing critical thinking are only a few of the benefits that come from teaching STEAM to elementary schoolers. “Some kids love art naturally, but adding technology and engineering to it empowers more students at an even higher level,” Amy explained. Also noting the importance of teamwork in STEAM, Amy says students learn from the beginning to work together and compromise. “Collaboration, I think, is one of the greatest strengths of this program,” said Amy. “What they learn in STEAM translates into other classes and will be something they can use for the rest of their lives.”

Advancing Beyond Traditional

Instead of taking the more traditional approach of keeping art separate from science, technology, engineering, and math, CLK administration implemented STEAM because they wanted to create more opportunities for students to express themselves through art and develop important skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

“At the elementary level, we’re laying the foundation of a child’s education,” says CLK Elementary School principal Matt Hampton. “When students develop skills like critical thinking and collaboration, those tools allow them to continue learning and adapt to new technologies throughout their student years, and even beyond that.” Julie Giachino, assistant principal, adds, “The whole educational discipline of STEAM sparks students’ interest to become lifelong learners and have a lifelong love for all of the components of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. I say that, not only as an administrator, but as a parent. My kids are so excited and proud to share their STEAM projects with us. Not only that, but what they’re learning is translating into our home lives–every empty box and container has become an opportunity to create something.”

As the educational landscape continues to change and evolve, students from CLK’s STEAM classes will be able to implement the skills they are learning to embrace change, take on challenges, and be forever inspired to explore and learn new things.