STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A STEM education is extremely important for children at a young age because it helps to foster critical thinking, to increase science literacy, and to provide children with the skills necessary for the next generation of innovators.

At Carden Hall all students in Pre-K through fourth grades get the chance to experience hands-on, project-based learning in their weekly STEM classes.

These classes complement the science that is interspersed through their daily lessons as they explore their world.

While students may learn a scientific concept one week with an experiment, the next week they are exploring the same topic through engineering, mathematics or technology.

Our STEM program adheres to the California State Science Standards and provides a thorough coverage of important foundational concepts in these fields.

The analytic and creative exercise of exploration and discovery sharpens students’ minds. This often develops a passion that opens career possibilities.

Science

Science applications are everywhere in the world around us.

Throughout the grade levels students learn biology, physics, chemistry, geology, and astronomy.

In second grade we will discuss gravity one week and experiment with egg drops to demonstrate the concept.

Technology

Technology is continuously expanding in every aspect of our lives at an astonishing rate.

In order for children to be digitally literate, they must learn about the technology that surrounds them.

At Carden Hall students use iPads to explore the digital world.

Third graders use iPads to explore the Solar System. Through the iPad application they can look and learn about stars, planets, and constellations in real time.

In fourth grade, students use iPads and other technology to create a research report on an endangered species.

Mathematics

Math is used in almost every occupation and is the “language” of engineering and technology.

The math learned in STEM is real-world based as it deals with concepts such as measurement and graphing.

Second graders measure the length of dinosaurs, while first graders practice reading a thermometer.

Students also learn how to make bar graphs and pie charts.

Engineering

Engineering allows children to use both critical and creative thinking skills. It also helps teach them about the building blocks employed every where around them.

In Kindergarten students read The Three Little Pigs, and discover that the Big Bad Wolf can blow down a house.

The students then must construct a house using only the material they are given to build a home that can withstand the Big Bad Wolf’s forceful blow.

In fourth grade, students study circuits and electricity. They engineer their own working flashlight with the knowledge that they have learned.

Real World Application

The goal of Carden Hall’s STEM program is to make math and science both fun, interesting, and challenging.

Our STEM activities show real-life applications of these subjects and demonstrate how they benefit our lives.

STEM occupations are growing 17% per year, while other occupations are only growing at 9.8% according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Children who have studies science through STEM have opportunities for careers as well as the knowledge to be informed citizens.