CATALD — It may come as a surprise to many that a small school like Canyon Elementary School is at the forefront of technology, but it's no wonder that Idaho Gov. Brad Little supports their efforts.
“The importance of STEM education in today’s technology and knowledge-based economy cannot be overstated,” Little said. “From logging to computer science, mining to health care, and education to business, the skills that STEM education develops lead Idaho students to high-paying, meaningful careers.”
Few people proclaimed March as STEM Matters Month across the Gem State earlier this month. Still, for Cataldo's elementary school, this declaration affirms everyday education.
Science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or STEM schools are educational institutions that focus on different types of hands-on learning, where students are challenged in four subjects.
CES classifies itself as a science magnet school, so while it is not strictly a STEM school, it does emphasize many aspects of STEM's core values.
CES is a K-12 school located 24 miles west of Kellogg, along Interstate 90, serving many rural communities in the district, including Cataldo, Rose Lake, Medimont, and surrounding areas. We have been providing services for ten years. But recently, the district began enrolling more kids to give them access to a specialized, science-based curriculum.
This school tends to incorporate a lot of STEM education into the daily curriculum, so there is little open space.
Principal Jenny Ferreira is pleased that people understand the value of what her school has to offer.
“STEM education is very important for elementary school students. It gives them the opportunity to be curious, ask questions, and discover,” she said. “Early exposure to hands-on science and STEM activities helps students develop a love of science and the world around them.”
Ferreira said he is always looking for ways to incorporate hands-on science activities into the curriculum.
“One of the fun ways we do this is by hosting a Science Friday event. There are different science experience stations on Fridays throughout the school year for kids to participate in,” she said.
Ferreira also welcomes volunteers.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage people who can bring insights based on real-world science to our students,” she said.
The level of real-world science experience available at Silver Valley is far more expansive than anyone imagines, and often digging into the science allows other subjects, such as local history, to come in handy. Masu.
This year alone, Ferreira will be joined by scientists at the Silver Valley Analytical Institute, former Wallace High School science teacher Nick Hoffman, Steve Dahl of the Idaho-based company Computer Zen, and a special guest at Spokane's Radical Rick. You are invited as a guest.
Dahl, who attended CES earlier this month, runs a nonprofit organization called STEAM World (an “A” that incorporates art into the more traditional STEM), through which he promotes technological advancements and how they translate into the real world. We offer presentations on how it can be applied.
Students also tried out a new invention: Makey Makey.
“This innovative device uses an alligator clip and a Chromebook to turn an ordinary object into a touchpad,” Ferreira explained. “Students explored Makey Makey’s capabilities by connecting it to various conductive objects such as themselves, Play-Doh, and graphite pencil lead.”
Dahl also introduced the students to a robot he developed that uses artificial intelligence to adapt to its environment.
“The interactive sessions not only exposed students to cutting-edge technology, but also sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for the endless possibilities in the STEM realm,” said Ferreira.