STEAM
The Value of a STEAM-Focused Curriculum
Most parents are familiar with the STEM educational approach that combines science, technology, engineering, and math. At Branch, STEAM incorporates all the elements of STEM, but adds art to the enterprise, which enables students to draw more deeply on their insights and creativity.
At all grade levels, our students engage in STEAM projects that build foundational skills and instill a sense of wonder, including:
- designing stained glass art based on equations of lines
- using mathematical calculations to scale up and enlarge drawings of cultural artifacts from countries they are studying
- building pyramids and trains, then finding the volume and surface area of their creations
- building games for our annual Fall Carnival that incorporate physics, math, and engineering principles
- applying math and science principles in our outdoor classes
The defining feature of our STEAM program is its intentional integration across our full curriculum. Instead of confining disciplines in individual silos, The Branch School offers lessons that are interdisciplinary, interconnected, and project-based.
MAKING SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH FUN
The Branch School uses STEMScopes, a comprehensive online curriculum developed at Rice University, that provides inquiry-based learning through hands-on activities. This interactive approach engages students through classroom activities, games, virtual labs, embedded technology and online assessments.
STEMScopes allows students to make discoveries and connect concepts. Teachers act as guides, creating activities and projects that incorporate music, art and challenging real-life scenarios that students solve using the knowledge and skills developed through mastery of scientific concepts.
BLENDING ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY
In addition to our Specialty classes in Art, Music, Drama, and Technology, The Branch School curriculum allows these subjects to become an all day, every day part of the student experience. Imagination and individual creativeness are stressed as each child uses his/her unique abilities to explore, create, and learn.
Learn more about our STEAM school education program and what it can do for your young learner. Call us to learn more or request a private tour.
STEAM is an educational approach that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders, and learners of the 21st century.
Susan Riley, Arts Integration Specialist
