Connecting the Dots Between Science, Technology and Art
Under the guidance of STEAM teacher Haley St. Cyr, Mockingbird Elementary first-grade students recently embarked on a colorful adventure that beautifully illustrated the fusion of science, technology and art.
During their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) specials class, these young scholars had a revelation as profound as the primary colors themselves — yellow and blue make green. Through a simple yet mesmerizing experiment involving coffee filters, coloring and water, they discovered the magic of color combinations.
“I learned that orange is a part of the color red,” said first-grader Insiya Kalyanwalla. "I like STEAM because there is a lot of art and a lot of cool things."
The enthusiasm for the day didn't stop there. Using their iPads, students colored then animated dots in honor of Dot Day, thus seamlessly connecting the dots between science, technology, and art.
Ramsey Richards, another budding artist and scientist, said, "I learned that you can be creative for Dot Day."
St. Cyr, who joined Mockingbird after teaching math and science in Lewisville ISD for six years, is committed to bringing STEAM to life for her students.
"I have a strong passion for math and science," she says, "and I love how STEAM allows students to use their creativity, as they strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills," she said.
Among her STEAM lessons will have students exploring a wide variety of technology tools and engaging in campus-wide engineering design challenges. One particularly engaging challenge will have students from each grade level designing an area of a new school building, drawing inspiration from famous works of architecture.
According to St. Cyr, the enthusiasm among students for STEAM is incredible.
“They eagerly await their STEAM class each week, and it's often difficult to tear them away from the creative and intellectually stimulating activities,” St. Cyr said.
She wants parents to know that STEAM at the elementary level is seamlessly aligned with secondary STEAM programs, preparing students for success as they progress through middle and high school. Additionally, the STEAM program introduces students to critical careers and fosters essential technology and communication skills for their bright futures.
STEAM at Mockingbird Elementary is making learning a colorful and exciting adventure for students.
“STEAM is lighting up their path to a future filled with endless possibilities,” St. Cyr said.
New for the 2023-2024 school year, Coppell ISD is offering a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum — including coding, robotics, and the engineering design process — at all of its elementary schools. This instructional design promotes higher-level thinking and creativity for Kindergarten to 5th grade students. Each of the district’s 11 elementary schools has a full-time STEAM educator and the STEAM program is being provided to Kindergarten to 5th grade students at all elementary schools as part of the weekly “specials” class rotation, in addition to music, art, and physical education.