Inspiring new learning opportunities spark creativity

Posted on October 4, 2013 By Editor Junior Residents

San Jose Episcopal Day School (SJEDS) launched a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) initiative at the start of the school year. The new program includes a series called INSPIRE! which will provide students with authentic learning opportunities in these areas to spark their creativity and ingenuity and to inspire them to get involved with all the opportunities these fields lead to in helping others and improving the world.

Joelle, a fourth grade student at SJEDS,
participates in the INSPIRE! series

The INSPIRE! Series involves inviting professionals in the STEAM fields to share with students interesting things about their work and what inspired them to choose their profession. Guests will include engineers (including civil, mechanical, chemical, aerospace and robotic), physicians, physicists, computer software programmers and developers, architects, graphic designers, healthcare professionals, scientists, aviators, environmental/nature scientists, marine biologists, musicians and artists.
SJEDS will also offer students in fourth through sixth grades the opportunity to have access to the new LEGO Robotics materials to learn how to design and program functioning robots to perform certain tasks.

Also, the school’s Tech Connect lab was reconfigured for students to work in groups and with larger engineering projects. Kits will be available for all grade levels to encourage creative building and engineering. Students also have access to the latest technology available, such as Chrome Books, iPads, SmartBoards and Cloud-based projects.