From STEM to STEAM

Updated: April, 2017

Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School in Greenville County (SC) opened for the 2014 – 2015 school year with approximately 340 incoming sixth graders and now includes both sixth and seventh grade classes. It is the first newly constructed Science, Technology, Engineering, ARTS, and Math (STEAM) Middle School in the Greenville County School District. A PBL STEAM middle school, Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School was named the CEFPI 2015 James D. MacConnell Award Winner. See submittal. CEPFI is now known as the Association for Learning Environments. Also see the New Learning Environments section of this website. Disclosure: I am a Senior Education Consultant for FNI.

About

Drew Charter School (PK-12), Atlanta, GA. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) is Drew Charter School’s map to a successful academic experience for its students. Learning is a STEAM environment, coupled with Project-Based Learning (PBL), sets the stage for students to solve real-world problems. Students are taught with an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on the design thinking process and problem solving leading to application. This allows Drew students to develop skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity, all important abilities needed for success in the 21st century.
Drew Charter School Case Study.
STEAM at Drew Charter School. This is an extensive web site showing all aspects of the STEAM program. STEAM Career Days. Atlanta Maker Faire.

eduopia Schools That Work| Case Study of Charles R. Drew Charter School: Giving Students a Real-World, Authentic Context to Their Learning. Charles R. Drew Charter School is building 21st-century skills in students using STEAM and project-based learning.

Mounds View Public Schools (MN): Middle schools in Mounds View have readapted curriculum to focus more on preparing students in the concepts of science, technology, engineering and math — often referred to as STEM. In fall 2012, all middle schools will add an arts component to this approach, turning STEM into a standards-based STEAM program.
January 10, 2017 School Board Report on district STEAM initiatives
Edgewood Middle School, About STEAM; STEAM Curriculum; STEAM Parent Handout;

3rd Grade students in Mrs. Moeller's class design their own ships

Erpenbeck Elementary School teacher Kyle Holloway is the conductor that drives STEAM program
Sarah Hardee, WCPO July 5, 2016
Erpenbeck's Lemonade Stand -- Erpenbeck Elementary wrapped up their project to help those strong kids battling childhood cancer with their tasty lemonade. Students and staff spent the week helping raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.
Video: Lemonade Stand 3rd Grade PBL Project Spring 2015, June 3, 2015

Hillel Day School, Farmington Hills, MI. K-8 School with totally transformed laerning environments and learning communities.
IDEA Collaborative at Hillel, built in 2014, includes a maker space, proto-type lab, greenhouse, gathering space, green screen technology and 3D printing capabilities.

How A Dream Gets Off the Ground, By Steve Freedman, Jeducation World, September 9, 2016.
21st-Century Learning: Hillel Day School completes update of its facilities, Detroit Jewish News. Includes Innovation Hub/Makerspace and 21C learning communities and spaces.
See school video and facility pictures from Fielding Nair International*.
Video: The Leadership Difference: Steve Freedman, MA in Jewish Education
Video: Maker Space in Action; Video: Tinkering with Daniel and Pelli

Teresa Semersheim: P.A. Walsh Academy is moving forward through innovative tech - Technology has opened the doors to an exciting learning environment for students and teachers, Morgan Hill Life, Jan. 7 – 23, 2015
Full STEAM ahead: School officials introduce change at P.A. Walsh, The Morgan Hill Times, August 11, 2014
Video: 2014 Project Cornerstone Asset Champion Caring School Climate - PA Walsh Elementary School