Local school districts participate in STEAM showcase
Bethel Park students participate in the STEAM Showcase Open House.
The suburban agriculture cross-curricular project at Mt. Lebanon High School
To promote collaboration among school districts, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Center for Creativity held a STEAM Showcase Open House to give educators the opportunity to see what their counterparts are achieving in STEAM-related fields.
Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park and South Fayette, three districts that have taken advantage of grants offered by AIU to improve their programs, attended the event to not only show schools what they are offering but to see the other possibilities of teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
“These types of events are a great place to share ideas, because none of us have the corner on the subject,” said Vicki Flotta, Bethel Park director of public relations.
The district recently used grant money to open three new innovation studios that are used for design maker and conference spaces for performance-driven and project-based learning. The studios have already provided students with different opportunities, including partnering with the U.S. Navy to build remotely operated underwater vehicles.
Mt. Lebanon has used funds to continue to develop its suburban agriculture cross-curricular project, in which students learn about the process and importance of sustainable foods in a suburban area.
“The idea from the start was to really have as many departments working together as possible,” said Mike Hathy, Mt. Lebanon High School biology teacher. “It starts with technical education classes that designed the garden boxes, biology classes planting and germinating seeds and then goes on to the food and consumer science classes.”
The program, which started last spring, has a greenhouse and outdoor garden space.
South Fayette, which has developed STEAM programs across each level within the district, has been continually working to extend its effect on middle school students.
The school’s millennium learning project is designed to transform traditional middle school instruction into a deeper learning experience through STEAM innovation practices.
“The approach is something we are looking at to provide resources for students, teachers and an application of learning across the disciplines,” said Frank Kruth, South Fayette Middle School STEAM coordinator.
While all of those districts have individual goals, engaging students more in their learning and preparing them for life after high school is a common objective.
“Hopefully, students are leaving high school with a better understanding of the job market,” said Hathy. “Allowing them to be aware of what their future might look like, it’s making it easier for us to show them the authentic nature of the lessons we are doing.”
Kruth, who began teaching 15 years ago and experienced the beginnings of STEAM, has seen the concept continually grow.
“It’s very rewarding to see kids more engaged in their learning,” he said. “I truly believe in this and it’s great to see teachers take steps outside their comfort zone to try it. We need to prepare our students for life and all of the challenges it brings. We want our students to be interdependent thinkers and apply that knowledge. If we prepare students to be good problem solvers, any job that is created they will be able to accomplish.”