The club’s mission is to encourage students to think about science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics as integrated disciplines full of creative and fun possibilities. We want the children to practice approaching and solving problems with wonder, critique, inquiry, and innovation rather than limitations and fear of “right or wrong” ways. During their time in the club, they will learn design principles, foster collaboration, and teamwork, and practice the importance of failure when paired with perseverance.
The STEAM Club meets once a month, September through March. In general, the club’s year falls into two sections. In the first half of the year, the children practice their problem-solving, cooperation skills, and design-thinking processes in small groups.
In the second half of the year, we lean into student-led learning. While still focusing on our learning objectives of cooperation, problem-solving, and critical thinking, we can engage the children with creative lesson plans. Some favorites over the past two years include a forensic science-based, Clue-themed mystery of who bird-napped Big Blue; a mathematical and cryptology-based, Harry Potter-themed escape room; and a literary-inspired science fair. The year culminates with an (optional) club field trip to the Science Museum of Virginia’s Forge to put the student’s maker skills to work. Hopefully, we will also participate in STEAM-Fest, an inter-school competition—more details to follow.