Innovation in Action: STEAM Across the Lower School

From circuits and storytelling to solar power and simple machines, STEAM learning is thriving across our Lower School. Recent projects in second, third, and fifth grade highlight how hands-on exploration deepens students' understanding of learning through creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

In fifth grade, students are exploring the central idea, “Advances in science and technology transform society.” As part of their study of energy, students were challenged to design and 3D print a machine that converts solar energy into kinetic energy. This project required them to think like engineers, to research energy transfer, test ideas, and refine their designs. By connecting renewable energy concepts to real-world applications, students experienced firsthand how innovation shapes the world around us.

Third graders also took an inventive approach in STEAM while studying simple machines. Students examined how levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and other simple machines work individually and together, aligning with their central idea, “Technologies help us share with others.” Their final challenge was to design and build their own Rube Goldberg machines, using a series of chain reactions to deliver a sugar cube into a cup of coffee. Along the way, they learned that technology is not just about complexity, but about creative problem-solving and purposeful design.

Meanwhile, second graders connected science and culture in a unique way. As part of their unit of inquiry, “People share culture and heritage in a variety of ways,” students explored electricity and how circuits function. After learning how to build and complete circuits, they created their own kamishibai storytelling scenes, traditional Japanese paper theater, and incorporated electrical circuits to enhance their artwork. By blending engineering with storytelling, students discovered how technology can enhance and preserve cultural expression.

STEAM serves as a bridge between inquiry and application. Students are not only learning scientific concepts; they are using them to design, create, and communicate. Our STEAM space is part of the new buildings on campus, designed to foster creativity and hands-on learning. This space was made possible by a grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and support from our generous capital campaign donors. If you would like to learn more about the Grow With Us Capital Campaign, please contact Marianne Wilburn, Director of Development or visit campaign.frenchintl.org.