What is our focus…


S.T.E.A.M

 

What does S.T.E.A.M education mean? The simple answer is learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. There are various benefits of S.T.E.A.M education such as increase in creativity, collaboration, critical thinking skills, empowerment, perseverance, focus, and most importantly understanding that it is okay to fail. S.T.E.A.M education allows children to make mistakes and find solutions through trial and error.


Project-based Learning

 

Project-Based Learning is the implementation of a curriculum that allows children to develop critical thinking skills by exploring real-world problems and or challenges, developing an understanding, and finding solutions through a multi-step process. Through this process, children can work independently or in small groups for an extended period to investigate and solve problems.


The Engineering Design Process

 

The Engineering Design Process (EDP) serves as a navigation for our engineering brain when solving problems. The Design process is a time when children and students practice and repeat steps, that leads them to create and make improvements along the way. In order to improve and develop greater theories and solutions, we must first learn from failure to discover new design possibilities. The EDP strengthens students’ understanding of open-ended design as it encourages them to work in a small group in brainstorming ideas, use science and math, test prototypes, study information, and target for creativity.


Failing forward and a Growth Mindset

 

What does failing forward and having a growth mindset mean?

Through S.T.E.A.M education, Project-Based Learning, and the Engineering Design Process, children will learn to fail forward! Failing forward is the simple act of trying something new every time we fail. The following areas of focus allow children to continue to try new ideas and recognize the areas where they need support, allowing them to develop a growth mindset. Having a Growth Mindset is important in education because it allows children to overcome the challenges they face daily. Like failing forward, a growth mindset develops when children develop and turn “I can’t do this” into “ I can’t do this yet.”

We believe that through S.T.E.A.M Education, Project-Based Learning, and the Engineering Design Process, children will develop a love for learning and a Growth Mindset, allowing them to fail forward!