STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The need for STEAM programming in education developed out of concern that future generations were lacking critical skills needed to succeed in the current and future economy. STEAM programming teaches innovation, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration among many other skills proven to lead to success.
Starting in elementary school, Springfield Public Schools students have access to general science activities and hands-on STEAM learning. In middle school, students begin envisioning life after high school with their High School and Beyond Plan with access to classes like media arts, computer science, robotics, engineering, and manufacturing.
While our humble district does not have the same resources as others, the type of science experiences students get to explore at each level are a testament to the passion, creativity, and resourcefulness of our science teachers.
No one had ever really captured the diversity of their work and efforts in the past 20 years and it felt like a huge missed opportunity not to tell and showcase all the science efforts across our district.
Not only did I take it upon myself to do an immersive page, I also developed a district page highlighting our STEAM learning efforts at all grade levels.
Read the immersive story in the SPS Newsroom.
Chakris Kussalanant 