What is STREAM?
STREAM is an offshoot of STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is a cross-curricular style of educating that engages students and allows a higher level of learning to occur. At Aberdeen Catholic Schools Systems (ACSS) we recognize the relevance of STEM, but have taken two steps further by adding Religion and Arts into our STEM program. That is where the term STREAM comes from.
WHO does STREAM affect?
STREAM affects all of our Roncalli students, teachers, families, faculty and community.
WHAT does STREAM stand for?
STREAM stands for Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.
WHERE is STREAM implemented?
STREAM is system wide at ACSS. We have installed a SMARTLab at both the Elementary and Jr./Sr High School campuses. Our Primary building is serviced by a STREAMCart that all PreK-2 teachers have access to as well as the Elementary STREAMLab Facilitator visits each classroom monthly. All campuses immerse our students into cross curricular education and technological tools.
WHY is a STREAM education so valuable?
Our world is constantly changing and long gone are the days when lecturing students for lengths of time is deemed effective. Our teachers are educating students for future jobs than may not even exist today. Instead of simply memorizing facts and figures, a STREAM education allows students to work collaboratively in real-world applications. This authentic approach allows learning to become relevant to each student and produces global thinkers who are ready for a world and workforce outside of our school.
Our core belief of instilling Catholic values is at the very heart of everything that we do. STREAM allows a natural extension of this by asking our students to reflect over assignments and projects and relate them to Jesus Christ. This seamless integration of religion with all classes is what makes STREAM and Roncalli meld together - everything that we do starts with and leads back to God.
View the STREAM Benefits infographic
STREAM Certification
In the fall of 2016, with the assistance of Northern State University, we began to STEM certify all our PreK-12 grade teaching staff and administrators. We are continuously training our new staff and administrative team through classes at NSU to ensure that our school remains fully trained in STEM. Currently, we are the only school in the state to have a PreK-12 STEM certified staff.
Smart Lab
To further assist students in their learning Aberdeen Roncalli has added Smart Labs in both the Elementary and High School. Smart Labs are great for Project-Based Learning among the students. The learning is based on how much the student wants to learn. Self-engaged is a great word to describe how the students act and learn when using the Smart Lab. The Smart Lab isn't just for building cool things. Students have to record their findings and present what they have found. Even if the student completely failed at the project. Failure is a good thing.
Donate to STREAM
The STREAM initiative at ACSS is a living thing. We continue to train our staff and update and augment our curriculum each year. All these efforts require funding. With your help we can continue to provide this vital and outstanding learning experience to our students. Your donation directly benefits our students and is greatly appreciated.
