Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am thrilled to have your student join us for an exciting journey into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Our Lower School STEM class aims to provide a dynamic and hands-on learning experience that will spark curiosity, foster creativity, and build essential skills for the future. Here’s an introduction to what you can expect from our STEM program this year:

What is STEM? STEM is an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It encourages students to explore real-world problems, engage in critical thinking, and collaborate to find innovative solutions.

Our Goals:

• Inspire Curiosity: We aim to ignite a sense of wonder and curiosity in your children by exploring fascinating scientific phenomena and technological advancements.
• Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Through hands-on activities and challenges, students will develop the ability to analyze problems, think critically, and devise creative solutions.
• Encourage Collaboration: STEM emphasizes teamwork and communication. Your children will work in groups, sharing ideas and learning from one another.
• Nurture Innovation: We will encourage your children to think outside the box, experiment, and invent, fostering a mindset of innovation that will serve them well in the future.
• Build Confidence: By tackling real-world challenges and seeing their ideas come to life, students will develop confidence in their abilities.

What to Expect:

• Hands-On Activities: Get ready for exciting experiments, building projects, and interactive lessons that make learning engaging and fun.
• Critical Thinking: Your children will be encouraged to ask questions, make predictions, test hypotheses, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
• Technology Exploration: We will introduce age-appropriate technologies, helping students become comfortable with digital tools and learning how technology impacts our lives.
• Engineering Challenges: Students will engage in creative engineering projects that involve designing, prototyping, and problem-solving.
• Math Integration: Mathematics will be woven into our activities, showing how it’s a fundamental tool for understanding the world around us.
• Units we will explore this year:  Introduction into STEM, Digital Citizenship, Earth Systems, Hour of Code, Space, Audio/Video Production, Robotics, 3D Printing, Makerspace, Lego

Your Role:

• Encourage Exploration: Ask your children about what they’re learning, and show enthusiasm for their discoveries.
• Support Curiosity: Help your children find answers to their questions through research, books, or online resources.
• Celebrate Efforts: Praise their efforts and resilience in tackling challenges, even if the outcomes aren’t perfect.
• Promote Hands-On Learning: Encourage them to explore and experiment outside of class, whether through simple home experiments or educational games.
• Be a Role Model: Share your own interests in STEM-related topics to demonstrate the value of lifelong learning.

I am excited to embark on this STEM journey with your students, and I look forward to witnessing their growth and accomplishments. If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can inspire a lifelong love for learning and equip your children with essential skills for their future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Miranda Bryant