STEAM

 Drew Elementary School STEAM Program

Inspiring Innovation Through STEAM

At Drew Elementary, we believe in preparing our students for the future by engaging them in STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Our program encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving while fostering a love for exploration and discovery.

STEAM in Grades 3–4

Students in grades 3 and 4 participate in STEAM as part of their Encore rotation, giving them regular opportunities to explore hands-on learning and real-world applications of science and engineering.

The DEN: Drew’s Makerspace

The DEN is our fully functioning Makerspace, where students have access to tools, technology, and materials to bring their ideas to life. Here, students can:

• Upcycle everyday items into new creations.
• Use the Engineering Design Process to tackle real-world challenges.
• Explore robotics and programming.
• Design and produce with 3D printing.

In addition to grades 3–4, all students in Pre-K through grade 5 visit the DEN throughout the year. These visits are made possible through collaborations with the school librarian, classroom teachers, and the instructional technology coordinator, ensuring every student has the chance to engage in STEAM experiences.

The DEN empowers students to take risks, experiment, and build resilience while working collaboratively to solve problems.

Community Partnerships

Our STEAM program is strengthened by partnerships that bring unique opportunities to our students:

• Rosie Riveters: Engaging hands-on activities and mentorship programs that help students see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and innovators.
• Smithsonian’s Bridging the Americas Program (Grade 2):
  • Students study migratory birds of Virginia and their ecosystems.
  • Participate in a cultural exchange with students from Nicaragua, learning how the same birds connect communities across continents.

These collaborations provide authentic learning experiences that broaden student perspectives and connect classroom learning to the wider world.

Preparing Students for the Future

Drew Elementary’s STEAM program builds the foundation for lifelong learning by encouraging curiosity, innovation, and global citizenship. Through hands-on projects, cultural exchange, and problem-solving challenges, our students are developing the skills to lead, create, and thrive in tomorrow’s world.

✨ At Drew, STEAM is more than a class—it’s a pathway to discovery!