Add as a preferred source on Google


Valentine Elementary Aims to Make STEM More Fun with Dedicated Classroom

Valentine Elementary School has opened a new STEM lab designed to facilitate active learning and collaboration in an effort to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and math topics.

Part of a district-wide initiative to build STEM classrooms at each elementary school the new space is in a former computer lab and home to a full-time STEM instructor, Crystal Shin.

The space features tables that can be easily moved and raised or lowered, an interactive whiteboard, two 70-inch televisions, a projector and a full-wall magnetic dry erase board. The classroom's chairs come in three varieties that can be used in multiple positions.

"They were chosen last year by our student council," said Colleen Shields, principal at Valentine, in a local news report about the STEM class. "They offer better ergonomic support and allow for more movement by the student. Our goal was to make it a more flexible learning space. Research on kids says that like to move around and they like to stand up. The tables have wheels and they can be moved together for group learning. We did a lot of research on STEM learning spaces."

Students have access to the classroom, paid for by the PTA with labor provided by the district, for two hours a week over six-week rotations.

"This is really a structured playground," said Shin in a newspaper report. "This is the new type of California science. The goal is to embed the STEM components and have the students interact while learning science content. It's using what you learn instead of memorizing facts and regurgitating them back onto a test. The students are building and putting what they learn into practice. I feel that if I have to tell someone who is not in education what is happening, it's that the students are learning, but the focus is now on the doing and the explaining. I feel that in elementary school,  that is what kids need to do. At this age, a child's attention span is maybe 10 minutes at best. Reading for an hour is not going to help. It's important to show them that science is fun."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • cloud with binary code and technology imagery

    Hybrid and AI Expansion Outpacing Cloud Security

    A survey from the Cloud Security Alliance and Tenable finds that rapid adoption of hybrid, multi-cloud and AI systems is outpacing the security measures meant to protect them, leaving organizations exposed to preventable breaches and identity-related risks.

  • teacher typing on a computer in a classroom on the left and a smiling parent using a smartphone on the right

    4 Keys to Building Stronger School Home Connections

    K–12 leaders know that strong family engagement drives student success. It leads to better achievement, fewer behavior issues, stronger relationships between schools and families, and a more positive learning environment.

  • hand holding globe and environmental icons in front of a green background

    CoSN, SETDA, UDT Release Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Technology Purchasing

    CoSN and SETDA, in partnership with IT and telecommunications solution provider UDT, recently released a set of Sustainability Procurement Guidelines designed to help K-12 school and district leaders, procurement officers, and technology directors make purchasing decisions that are both environmentally responsible and operationally effective.

  • students raising their hands and participating in a classroom discussion

    Report Explores Link Between Student Engagement and Learning

    Over 90% of teachers, principals, and superintendents agree that student engagement is a critical metric for understanding overall achievement, according to a new survey report from Discovery Education.