In August 2017, SJCS installed a STEAM Lab and curriculum designed to inspire critical thinking, collaboration and student inquiry using an integrated and applied approach all while encouraging students to take risks and solve real problems. Supported by SJCS’s Long-Range Strategic Plan, backed by research, and guided by the 2016 International Society for Technology in Education standards, St. Joseph has partnered with Creative Learning Systems (CLS) to bring our students a STEAM Lab and curriculum. Learners in the lab participate in “engagements” with partners or as a whole class.

Each Learning Launcher engagement provides:

• Engaging, hands-on, minds on, project-based activities in STEM, digital communications and related topics
• Applied technology to reinforce academics and build next generation skills
• Personalized learning with multiple challenge levels, open-ended activities, and opportunities for students to shape and expand learning around their own interests, abilities and learning styles
• Connections to core academic content and alignment to standards
• Extension activities for advanced learners to explore topics in even greater depth
  
  

Systems of Technology Covered in the STEAM Lab

• Alternative and Renewable Energy
• Circuitry
• Computer Graphics
• Digital Communications
• Mechanics and Structures
• Robotics and Control Technology
• Scientific Data and Analysis
• Software Engineering

Related links:

• Mrs. Kennedy’s STEAM classroom page: http://www.sjscatholic.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=415298&type=u&pREC_ID=591626
• National Standards:  https://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students
• Creative Learning Systems:  http://www.creativelearningsystems.com/default.aspx