Richland Elementary STEAM program

Organization Description

The San Marcos Unified School District is an innovative and collaborative community providing an unparalleled educational experience. Through an engaging and supportive environment, all our students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel. Our district has 11 elementary schools, one K-8 school, three middle schools, two comprehensive schools, and four alternative schools. We have approximately 21,300 studens enrolled.

Program Information

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
 

Health & Safety

This position is considered a mandated reporter. For more information, see: Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect”.

Students need to sign in at the office and swipe their drivers license. This runs a quick background check so they can work with the elementary students.

Hands on Labs are conducted on STEAM days and the usual lab safety is required. 

Labs are diverse on cover many topics. Some labs involve natural elements like dirt and grass, some labs have animals for observation or dissection and some labs contain common found materials like corn starch, baking soda, etc. If a CSUSM student has allergies they can contact Kjerstie before the lab dates to find out materials that will be used. If desired, gloves and protective eye wear can be provided and some labs do require that they are worn for safety.

Address 
910 Borden Rd
San Marcos, CA 92069
United States
General Phone 
Student Contact 
Name
Carmen Garcia
Job Title
Superintendent
Phone
Email
Program(s) 
Internship
Service Learning
Organization type 
Education - Multi-level (Government)
Focus Population(s)
Children/Youth, Teens/Young Adults
Focus Area(s)
Education
Additional Focus Area(s)
Skill Development, STEM Programs
Hours of operation 

School hours are 8:45am-3:10pm It is nice is a student can be here for most of the school day. That way all 150 students in the grade can meet and work with them. If this is not possible 1/2 day times are listed on the sign up sheet.

STEAM Lab Dates include:
STEAM Dates (2017-2018):

Thursday October 5th
TK/K

Friday October 6th
1st grade
2nd grade

Thursday November 2nd
TK/K STEAM

Friday November 3rd
1st grade
2nd grade
4th grade

Friday November 17th
3rd grade
5th grade

Friday December 1st
2nd grade
4th grade

Thursday December 7th
TK/K

Friday December 15th
3rd grade
5th grade

Thursday February 1st
TK/K

Friday February 2nd
1st grade
2nd grade
4th grade

Thursday February 15th
3rd grade
5th grade

Thursday March 1st
TK/K

Friday March 2nd
1st grade
2nd grade
4th grade

Friday March 16th
3rd grade
5th grade

Friday April 20th 
STEAM for all grades :-) 
plus about 360 parents
Shadow a Mustang

Friday May 4th
1st grade

Thursday May 24th
TK/K

Minimum required hours 
6
Maximum students 
70