Richland Elementary STEAM program

What is STEAM?
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

What is the Richland Elementary STEAM program?
Our STEAM program is a day of hands on learning in each of the STEAM areas. Once a month each grade (K-5th) will alter the traditional class schedule and instead rotate to different classes to engage in hands on learning experiences that are not usually possible in the daily classroom. These experiences follow the state standards for each grade level. All subjects start with a question and elementary students are provided the tools to discover and create. 

Do you need STEM industry professionals to help?
Yes. Some of the elementary student’s favorite lessons are ones that an adult or college student can relate real career experience to the topic being studied. 

Do I have to know about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts or Mathematics to help?
No STEAM experience or teaching experience is needed for volunteers. The Richland teachers are in the classroom to help and guide volunteers. The lessons are already created and scheduled. STEAM Lessons are planned out to align with the grade level standards. Lessons are available on our school website. https://www.smusd.org/Page/24277

Why do you need help?
STEAM labs are hands on experiences. These experiences are not typically possible in the elementary classroom as there are many materials, much prep and many adults help needed to make the day be a success. A typical elementary school classroom has a ration of 1 teacher to 25-35 students. To have a successful STEAM day we typically need a ratio of 6 adult helpers + 1 teacher and 25-35 students. These extra hands enable the elementary students to do things like: robotic programming, frog dissection, environmental engineering, coding, etc.

What is your school like? 
We are a local community public school. We are diverse and value all students strengths. All student in one grade get the same STEAM education.

We are seeking CSUSM students, faculty and employees to help with labs. Duties would include working and engaging with elementary students, communication of provided material, resetting lab materials and talking with staff/parents. If desired your students could also lead a provided lesson in science, engineering, technology or art lesson. All lessons follow NGSS Science and Engineering Standards and State Art and Technology standards. There will always be at least one certified teacher in the classrooms with your CSUSM students and the Richland elementary school students. 

It is great for our elementary students to meet and engage with real college students. If possible it would be nice for your students to wear a CSUSM shirt or sweatshirt.

STEAM days are set and labs are already planned. All materials for labs are prepped and provided by the Richalnd STEAM program. CSUSM students can sign up by grade at: https://www.smusd.org/Page/27345
or they can contact Kjerstie directly via email. kjerstie.bourne@smusd.org