STEM & Innovation

Grades 1-5

Students participate in three STEM program units taught by our Science, Technology, and Innovation Teachers throughout the year. The faculty coordinates and collaborates to provide a robust learning environment that reinforces STEM concepts across all of the rotations.

Science-Focused Unit

The curriculum used in this unit is created and developed by the Smithsonian Institute and the National Science Resources Center and focuses on the following areas: physics, engineering, biology, and chemistry.

Topics

• Grade 1 – Comparing and Measuring/Solids and Liquids
• Grade 2 – Balancing and Weighing/Changes
• Grade 3 – Chemical Tests/Sound
• Grade 4 – Motion and Design/Floating and Sinking
• Grade 5 – Electric Circuits/Microworlds (Cells)

Classroom Environment: Students gather for class in the Elementary science lab.

Innovation-Focus Unit

This section of the rotation takes an interdisciplinary approach to STEM with a focus towards entrepreneurship and innovation. The curriculum includes selections from:

• Next Generation Science Standards, life sciences, chemistry, and physics
• Electronic technologies (such as Sphero SPRK and LEGO WeDo) and non-electronic technologies
• Engineering Design Process and Engineering is Elementary curriculum
• Math

Topics 

Through this rotation, students will explore various STEM topics and experience the power and importance of STEM, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation while having fun!

Study Trips In & Around Washington, D.C.

• Grade 1 – Recycling Center and Chocolate Factory
• Grade 2 – Museum of Industry and Patent and Trade Office
• Grade 3 – Bureau of Printing and Engraving and Newspaper Production Facility
• Grade 4 – Naval Museum and Naval Surface Center
• Grade 5 – Television Studios and Botanical Garden

Classroom Environment: Students explore and learn through projects in the innovation room and from expert guest speakers and through attending study trips to many Washington, DC, area institutions and venues.

Technology-Focused Unit

This section of the rotation focuses on developing students’ digital skills which will serve them through their time in school and beyond and learn the responsible use of technology. The curriculum includes:

• Digital storytelling using iPads and various apps to create digital stories
• Programming and coding using Code.org, ScratchEd, and Google CS coding
• Typing/Keyboarding using Typingclub.org
• Digital citizenship using Common Sense Media and Google Digital Citizenship curriculums
• Graphic Design

Topics

• Grade 1 – iPad coding, digital citizenship, digital storytelling
• Grade 2 – Code.org coding program, digital citizenship, graphic design
• Grade 3 – Code.org coding, keyboarding, digital citizenship, graphic design
• Grade 4 – Google CS Coding, Google Be Internet Awesome, keyboarding
• Grade 5 – Google CS Coding, Google Be Internet Awesome, keyboarding, Google Slides

Classroom Environment: Students meet in the technology lab for class.