FULL STEAM AHEAD!

BY SHA REINS & SCOTT VOLLMAR

Mix Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math, and what do you get? Here are just some of the innovative projects completed in STEAM classes this year: a newspaper table that holds a cup of water, dropping eggs without breaking them from high heights, making sure the paper sleds students made carry ‘gifts’ down a steep slope to the bottom without losing any cargo, and building windmills, inspired by special people like William Kamkwamba who built one in his country in Africa.

STEAM classes are a major and valuable focus for our students. A STEAM committee was established on campus to help steer NMSD toward better STEAM integration across all subjects and grades. As a result, toddlers through seniors, our ECE programs in Albuquerque, Farmington, and Las Cruces, and our Family Playgroups were immersed in STEAM activities all year.

At the ECE and Elementary level, students are not told what to do. Instead, they are presented with a challenge, and asked to think creatively to solve problems. STEAM classes also provide students with opportunities to learn from each other. Students strengthen their communication skills as they work and collaborate in groups. When they experience solving their problems in STEAM classes, they become more confident and creative in solving problems in life.

Here are examples of the STEAM activities our ECE and Elementary students did this year:

• Maneuvered a Hexbug Maze

• Balanced straws

• Explored how air takes up space

• Engineered Q-tip bridges

• Made the longest paper chain with one sheet of paper

• Manufactured a table out of newspaper that could hold a cup of water

• Built the tallest snowman

• Desi gned a windmill that pulled a LEGO from the bottom to the top

• Powered a LEGO car with a fan

• Discovered plastic bags can catch air

• Compared different movement with different items in the wind

• Created pumpkin sinks

• Concocted slimes

• Observe d chemical reactions when two ingredients are mixed together

For Middle and High School students, STEAM crosscurricular activities took place in their Science, Art, and Math classes. Everyone had lots of fun during our egg drop competition. Student and staff also developed literacy materials related to STEAM vocabulary. This enhanced their knowledge while improving their critical thinking and teamwork skills.

We also know that developing a strong curiosity, understanding, and passion for STEAM will support college or workforce integration. For the last five years, NMSD has partnered with Rochester Institute of Technology. We offer college credit courses, taught by trained instructors, with a primary focus on STEAM. These courses cover a wide range of topics, including forensics, graphic design, and CAD applications. In addition, our transition team has established connections for mentorships and apprenticeships in various fields.

There is no doubt in our minds how important STEAM is for our students. The educational and fun activities that took place throughout the school year allowed students and staff to have hands-on experiences that supported the development of new skills. This fostered a strong understanding and deep appreciation for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Our students are moving ‘Full STEAM Ahead’ into a promising future!