The Power of STEAM & Maker

At The Willows, we regard STEAM as STEAM² . The M stands for both Math and Maker. All of these disciplines–science, technology, engineering, art, math–are seamlessly integrated into our curriculum. Our Maker program allows students to fully engage in each discipline. Problem solving, doing, and making all invigorate curriculum and bring learning to life.

 

The Willows has had a strong Science, Technology, and Mathematics curriculum in place since the founding in 1994. While we have always strived to integrate subjects across the curriculum, the STEAM² approach (one that is inclusive of the Arts and Maker) truly invites the interdisciplinary bridging of subjects while honoring the skills inherent in each.

 

We regard STEAM as STEAM² . The M stands for both Math and Maker.

STEAM² is a class, a discipline, and a way of teaching and learning. The National Science Foundation about a decade ago coined the term “STEM” with the intent that science, technology, engineering, and math should be taught in and with respect to one another. This type of thinking and hands-on teaching practices, coupled with the necessary tools and technology, lead to innovation, deep thinking, and the realization of dreams.

 

Great learning is open-ended, dynamic, authentic, and interconnected. With this in mind, we continually enhance our Maker and STEAM programs to challenge our students to DESIGN, MAKE, CREATE, and EXPLORE in very intentional ways. STEAM² builds our students’ capacity for empathy, physical skill set, and problem solving abilities.

 

Students use a wide range of materials ranging from high-tech programmable robots and modular electric circuits to low-tech cardboard and duct tape. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, grit, and persistence with structured projects that give students space for ideas but also build a repertoire of skills.

 

We want all our students to realize their potential and view themselves as makers, designers, and doers, who take action to discover and create. A maker mindset enables students to take ownership of their learning and fully engage with the subject matter.