Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education provides students with tools to think critically across subjects, while delivering valuable real-world skills. That’s why BEF’s Building STEAM 4 All Initiative, backed by generous support from local businesses and foundations, helps teachers integrate STEAM into their classrooms and expand access for students who are underrepresented in the sciences: girls, low-income students and students of color.
During summer and fall 2021, BEF made 11 Beaverton’s Choice awards to bring STEAM opportunities to more than 2,100 students across the District. Since Building STEAM 4 All launched in 2008, it’s funded programs in all Beaverton schools. These make an immediate impact on the educational experiences our students have, as well as inspire future career choices.
Highlights from the most recent Building STEAM 4 All awards:
Arts and Communications Magnet Academy (ACMA) launched its first robotics team. This group of middle and high school students began designing, building and coding robots to compete against other teams. Together they are learning about business, fundraising and outreach, in addition to the coding, designing and engineering involved in getting ready to compete.
Building blocks are a low tech way to teach high tech skills. Through play and building with blocks, students gain practical knowledge around geometry, physics, planning and collaboration. At Kinnaman Elementary School, students have new Keva Planks to learn hands-on ways to make their ideas come alive. Students of all ages at Kinnaman now have additional experience planning, building, revising, innovating and collaborating.
Middle schoolers at Mountainview’s Tech Lab took what they were learning about making 3D models and digital manufacturing, and brought it to life in their classroom with a new 3D printer. These students not only applied what they were learning, they were introduced to different career options.
Hiteon Elementary’s fifth graders have a new component of their daily math routine — a calendar program that’s engaging and exciting them as they learn. The program creates opportunities for discussions, problem solving, and short written exercises, all at the appropriate grade level.
BEF is grateful to our many funders who are helping bring science, technology, engineering, arts and math into Beaverton schools this year, including First Tech Federal Credit Union, Genentech Foundation, Intel, New Seasons Market, NW Natural, PGE Foundation, Spirit Mountain Community Fund, U.S. Bank, Vernier Software & Technology, and Wells Fargo Foundation.
Visit Beaverton’s Choice to learn more about the latest STEAM-focused projects.