Edgemonto pradinės mokyklos STEAM programa: Rytdienos novatorių ugdymas

5 vasario, 2025 /
Aleksandras Glavesas /
Edgemontas, Pradinė mokykla, Naujienos, Provo STEM

At the North of Provo City School District, Edgemont Elementary has its sights set firmly on academic achievement. By embracing STEAM principles (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) they inspire students to come to class each day with an eagerness to learn and the ambition to excel.

This focus isn’t just a trend but a culture that has been carefully nurtured over the years, spearheaded by the school’s administration, and embraced by the teachers who work tirelessly to improve the academics of each student. As Edgemont achieved its goal of becoming a Platinum STEM designation, its commitment to enhancing student learning through innovative, hands-on experiences is evident in every lesson and project.

At the forefront of this transformation are Harmony Kartchner, the principal, and Desiree Olsen, the assistant principal. They have played pivotal roles in guiding Edgemont’s journey toward becoming a leader in STEM education. Their collaborative leadership has resulted in a dynamic school environment where students thrive in creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and the application of interdisciplinary concepts.

Building a Strong Foundation: Leadership and Vision

For Edgemont Elementary to earn its Platinum STEM designation, Kartchner and Olsen had to take a hard look at the school’s curriculum, infrastructure, and teaching strategies. It wasn’t just about implementing technology or adding a few STEM-related lessons here and there. It was about creating a five-year plan to raise the bar in every aspect of education and maintaining that high standard year after year. The school’s commitment to STEAM is a living, breathing part of the school’s ethos that continues to evolve and grow.

Collaboration: The Heart of Edgemont’s Success

One of the cornerstones of Edgemont’s STEAM approach is collaboration—not just between students, but also between educators across various disciplines. This sense of teamwork enriches the learning experience and makes teaching more effective. Teachers work together to create integrated lessons that draw from multiple areas of expertise, fostering a deeper understanding for students.

Lisa Garner, a first-grade teacher, exemplifies this collaborative spirit. She takes the time to involve her colleagues—whether they are art teachers, music instructors, or experts from the local university—to help build engaging and meaningful lessons.

A key to effective STEAM teaching is collaboration. Rather than relying on her own experience and teaching expertise, she reaches out and works with instructors from different fields, to craft lessons that will last. During a lesson about number values, she worked with a music instructor from BYU to integrate music into the lesson. They used different instruments to represent the 1s, 10s, and 100s. It’s not just about teaching math—it’s about creating a rich, multi-sensory experience that reinforces the concept in their minds.

Scott Jennings, a 6th-grade teacher who has pioneered the exploration of 3D printing technology into the classroom, agrees that collaboration is vital. When he first began to use the 3d printer, he wanted to give his students a chance to pursue something they were genuinely interested in. But the more his students engaged, the more Jennings began to incorporate 3D printing into art, literature, and even social studies. For the class, it’s become a tool that crosses boundaries and brings the classroom to life.

Synergy: When Subjects Come Together

Edgemont’s emphasis on combining disciplines is another key to its success. By bringing together subjects that traditionally operate in separate silos—such as math, science, and art—students are able to see the real-world connections between what they’re learning.

Garner’s integration of music and math is just one example of how subjects at Edgemont aren’t taught in isolation. Jennings use of 3D printing brings mathematical concepts like volume and geometry into sharp focus for his students. When they design a model, they can physically see the math behind it, and the hands-on experience makes abstract concepts more concrete and easier to grasp.

“In the past, students struggled to understand concepts like volume,” says Jensen. “But when they design and print something, they start to understand it on a deeper level. It’s helped them to translate these abstract concepts into real life.”

This synergy extends beyond individual classrooms. The entire school is built on a foundation of cooperation and shared purpose. Teachers regularly meet to plan, brainstorm, and refine their lessons, creating a consistent and cohesive experience for students.

Preparation and Time Saving: Building Efficiency into Education

While it may seem that integrating STEAM into every lesson requires significant extra time and effort, these interdisciplinary lessons often save time in the long run. By blending concepts from multiple subjects, teachers can reinforce key ideas while making learning more engaging.

Kartchner and Olsen emphasize that the focus on STEAM has had a lasting impact on student learning. Their students are absorbing more, and they’re doing it more efficiently. By embedding critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity into every subject, they’re giving their students a holistic education that prepares them for the future.

For Garner, the benefits of STEAM integration are clear. “At first, it takes time to plan and set up these lessons, but once the foundation is in place, students are more engaged and retain the information longer. They’re learning multiple subjects at once, and it all connects.”

Jennings also sees the value in this approach: “The 3D printing projects are a great motivator. The students work hard to complete their core assignments because they know they get to use the printers as a reward.” The time the students spend on the printers reinforces the lessons they learn in their core curriculum, and it is driven by the students themselves.

Persistence: A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Edgemont’s journey toward continual excellence is far from over. Harmony and Desiree are committed to continuous growth and improvement, not just for the students but for the entire school community. This persistence is reflected in every aspect of Edgemont’s approach—whether it’s the steady development of the STEAM curriculum or the ongoing professional development of the teachers.

Kartchner and Olsen are always looking toward the next step, improving their school and their students’ education in a constantly changing landscape. Their persistent efforts help their students prepare for the challenges of the future.

Teachers like Garner and Jennings work to consistently improve their classrooms as well. As dedicated educators, they constantly seek ways to refine their teaching practices, whether by exploring new technologies or collaborating with other educators. The result is a school environment that is always evolving and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

For Jennings, the growth of his students is especially rewarding. “I’ve seen students go from being complete beginners to creating incredible projects by the end of the year. It’s amazing to watch them apply what they’ve learned to something they’re passionate about.”

A School That Inspires

At Edgemont Elementary, the focus on STEAM is a transformative force that shapes the way students learn and grow. The collaborative efforts of the leadership team, teachers, and students create an environment where curiosity is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and learning is hands-on and meaningful.

With a continued commitment to excellence, Edgemont is proving that quality education is about more than just teaching subjects. It gives the tools to explore, create, and succeed in a complex, rapidly changing world.