By CHARLENE PAUL
Moapa Valley Progress
Ute Perkins Elementary School will host an Open House at Old Logandale School to introduce an all-new educational initiative on June 12, 2018 at 6:30 PM.
Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics, or STEAM, will be fully integrated into the Perkins curriculum beginning in the fall of 2018.
What is STEAM? Arts Integration Specialist, Susan Riley explains it this way: “STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.”
Perkins will be updating their Specials classes to accommodate the STEAM initiative.
“Kids who struggle with reading also struggle with math and science, among other things,” said Perkins Assistant Principal Kelby Robison. “Look at any math test, and you will see word problems that need to be read, understood, and analyzed.”
The STEAM program incorporates reading, writing, math, and science in a cross curriculum where they are all tied together.
“It is going to be fun,” said Robison. “There will be robotics, virtual reality, and even square-foot gardening.”
At first, Robison wasn’t sure virtual reality belonged in the classroom. But after attending a training session where virtual reality was utilized, he realized just how much fun it would be to float among the stars, traverse the Oregon Trail, and travel inside a cell – all from the classroom.
“It will open up a whole new world to our students,” he said.
When asked about how the changes would affect programs already in place at Perkins, Robison was quick to reassure that the Winter Program and Patriot Rockers would still be part of the students’ lives. Zilla Johnson and Angela Crouch will work with choir students, and MaryAnn Eckenstam will continue with the GATE program. Crouch is the STEAM Specialist working with robotics and technology.
“We pitched the idea to the PTO and to our SOT team, and although there was some concern, they agreed to give it a go and see what happens,” explained Robison. “This program will provide what’s best for kids all the way around.”
Perkins is a wonderful little school with a big heart, talented teachers, great students, and the backing of a caring community. The STEAM program will push them to even greater heights as they prepare their students to live, work, and thrive in the 21st Century.
If you have questions; or are simply curious about what STEAM is; mark your calendars for June 12 at 6:30 PM and head on over to the Old Logandale School. Be prepared to be amazed at all this program has to offer.
