STEAM Learning
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 computer science activities, robotics, 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, and manufacturing.
STEAM Around Our District
STEAM Experiences at Every Level
Microscopic Explorations
This fun program introduces elementary students to magnifying glasses and microscopes in order to analyze materials and make different observations of living microorganisms. Microscopes can help students see the world around them in a new way, from different kinds of sand grains to the eyes of a fly. Students also get an introduction to concepts like observing patterns, biomimicry, chemical testing, and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates.
Electric Vehicle Challenge
The event challenges middle school students to use engineering skills, creative thinking, experimentation, and teamwork. Teams design and build small, electric battery-powered model cars to compete in a speed race. Students benefit from this inquiry-based, physical science unit by learning the effects of friction, drag, inertia, speed, momentum, and gravity on car performance. They also learn the importance of design and precision in craftsmanship.
The WELL Project
The Water and Energy Learning Lab (WELL) Project is a science grant operated by SPS and funded annually by the Springfield Utility Board. The grant supports hands-on instruction in the areas of water and energy science. Students learn to collect high quality data for water resource management. The program focuses on offering middle school and high school students with opportunities to conduct field research and monitoring in local watersheds.
Mystery Science
Elementary teachers in SPS have access to Mystery Science, an engaging, inquiry-based curriculum that uses captivating "mystery" questions to guide students through hands-on activities and discussions, helping them discover scientific concepts by exploring real-world phenomena through a fun and curious approach, and focuses on fostering critical thinking skills while aligning with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Restoration Program
The Middle School Restoration Program takes students out to local river and forest habitats to get hands-on experience in the maintenance and restoration of those areas. Teams from all four SPS middle schools work to remove invasive blackberry bushes, study fish biology and ecology, plant trees and take part in water quality testing. On the last day of the program, the teams gather and put their knowledge to the test and compete in the Restoration Olympics.
Biodiversity Field School
This annual field trip gathers all high school juniors from Springfield High School and Thurston High School for a two-day biodiversity field study experience at Dorris Ranch. One of many biodiversity projects and activities calls for students to collect leaf litter and observe the insects present in the sample to answer questions about biodiversity. Students get to meet with experts in biology, zoology, microbiology and environmental science.