We’ve made some changes to our STEM program! In our second year of implementation, we’ve decided to add the arts to our mission to educate students about STEM. Why did we make this choice? It was due to the need for the arts and design in innovation in science and technology and the exclusivity that is felt within the art community when talking about STEM without any connections with the arts. So, in the true pursuit of being an inclusive, art appreciating school community, we have officially changed our STEM program to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math). Our initial approach to STEAM at Flynn is going to begin by integrating the concepts from STEAM class into our art and music classes. We have begun collaborating on projects for September where connections can be seen in both art and music class. If you are interested in reading more about STEAM and Rhode Island School of Design’s movement to bring the arts into STEM click here: http://www.risd.edu/about/stem_to_steam/. RISD is committed to their mission of educating the public about the role of the arts and design in our society. You can read more about the role STEAM has in science and technology here as well: http://www.stemtosteam.org.
More exciting news!!
JJ Flynn Elementary has partnered with the Community Sailing Center and Shelburne Farms in order to design and write some of our science and STEAM lessons. We are currently working with the Sailing Center on lessons focused around the Sailing Center’s mission of stewardship of Lake Champlain. With Shelburne Farms we are designing lessons that are centered around geothermal design and renewables for fourth grade and a composting project in the garden space. We are also working with St. Mike’s College and their EpScor department to teach STEAM students about dissecting microscopes.
Let the new discoveries begin!
Steam Teacher Burlington 