STEAM Education
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Education at Excelsior
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Education at Excelsior![]()
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Education at Excelsior
The 4th, 5th and 6th grade students at Excelsior are exposed to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math across their curricular program. Many of our grade level Challenge 21 units also incorporate STEAM concepts and provide opportunities for our students to apply their learning in creative ways.
STEAM Program Highlights
STEAM Program Highlights![]()
STEAM Program Highlights
- Student and Classroom Technology - Each student at Excelsior is provided a Chromebook and a Google account to easily access digital tools that enhance the adopted curriculum. Many of our adopted programs include technology-enhanced components. Technology is also used by students as they research, analyze, organize, evaluate, and present information. Students regularly use available technology and our adopted curricular programs for modeling in mathematics and science.
- Creativity and Innovation Lab - Excelsior students have access to the “Creativity and Innovation Lab” during recess and with their classes. The Creativity and Innovation Lab is a STEAM lab that provides a variety of options for students to explore and create. Students in the C&I lab can be seen building marble runs or electric circuits, programming Dash robots, creating beautiful beadwork and artwork, knitting, and/or using Scratch to learn to code.
- Virtual Reality - Using ClassVR headsets, our Excelsior students are able to take virtual field trips which enhance the grade level curricular experience. Using the ClassVR educational virtual reality system, Excelsior students are able to experience a variety of virtual and augmented reality lessons that allow them to travel to historic locations, experience different ecosystems, explore the inner workings of human body systems, and much more.
- Music Instruction/Choir/Band - Excelsior students have access to high-quality music instruction through weekly classroom music and before-school choir. Many of our students also learn to play a musical instrument by participating in our beginning or advanced bands.
- Math Problem Solving - Excelsior students and teachers utilize Inside Mathematics and other supplemental resources to provide opportunities for students to solve complex math problems collaboratively.
- Engineering, Robotics, and Coding - 4th grade students learn about basic Scratch coding and building circuits through the use of Makey Makey kits. 5th grade students learn robotics and coding as they build and code VEX robots.
- Digital Skills - 6th Grade students complete weekly digital skills lessons designed to teach them how to apply the use of Google and other technology tools to organize, enhance, and share their learning across content areas. Examples include using Google Forms to create social studies study guides, creating infographics, and writing “Choose Your Own Adventure” stories using Google Slides.
- STEAM Projects - 6th grade students complete hands-on STEAM projects each year as enhancements to the adopted curricular programs. Examples of past projects include reverse engineering, Rube Goldberg projects, building and using solar cookers, and constructing hurricane-proof structures.
- Field Trips - 4th and 5th grade students experience STEAM-related field trips focused on grade level content through local programs such as the Roseville Utility Exploration Center, B Street Theater, the Sacramento Zoo, and Coloma.
- Environmental Education Experiences - 6th grade students participate in multiple environmental education and STEAM-related field trips and activities as part of our EarthQuest program. This year, students will visit Quarry Park Adventure Center, the Museum of Science and Curiosity, Effie Yeaw Nature Center, and the CSUS Aquatic Center.
- Dance Enrichment Classes - Each class at Excelsior will learn and perform a dance this year as part of a 6-week enrichment performing arts program sponsored by our PTC.
- Art Instruction - Through our Prop 28 funds, we have developed a visual arts program and our students benefit from extended art lessons provided by a creative, engaging and innovative credentialed art teacher several times a year.
- Art Docent - Our classes engage in monthly Art Docent lessons and projects facilitated by PTC volunteers.
- Drama Club - Many of our students learn about the performing arts by participating in our after-school enrichment Drama Club.
- Grade Level Challenge Units - Students at Excelsior participate in grade level Challenge Units each year. Challenge Units are carefully crafted to integrate concepts across content areas. These units allow us to provide inquiry-based, differentiated opportunities for students to demonstrate and share what they have learned through meaningful, authentic opportunities to apply their knowledge and learn important future-ready skills. Examples include 4th grade students creating biome models, 5th grade students performing a Wax Museum, and 6th grade students designing Mesopotamia game boards.
