Vision

We want our students to be engaged global citizens who intentionally innovate positive change in the world. Students will have personalized learning experiences through the power of learning by doing and creating solutions to real world challenges.  We will develop skilled, imaginative, collaborative and resilient problem solvers who will be our civically engaged and thoughtful leaders of the future.

The Need

As we consider the skills we want our students to be armed with when they graduate from CUSD, we want to make sure they are prepared for an ever changing future. Research indicates that 85 percent of jobs that will exist in 2030 have not been invented yet.* Our job is to help students learn to prepare themselves for anything the future may hold.

Guiding Principle: Deeper Learning

• Mastery of rigorous academic content
• Development of a growth mindset
• Critical thinking and problem-finding skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Collaborative work skills
• Empathy and perspective taking skills Maker Learning

Our Approach

Maker Learning

This approach is a wonderfully engaging and accessible starting point for teachers and students. It includes hands-on, creative, and design-centered learning at the heart of each activity.

Challenge Based Learning

This approach provides a deeper dive into the application of Maker Learning. It provides a framework for learning while solving complex, real-world challenges.

Standards

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

Grades K-2

• Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change
• Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model
• Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem

Grades 3-5

• Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria
• Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem
• Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered

Grades 6-8

• Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution
• Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process
• Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions
• Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process

English Language Arts Listening and Speaking Standards Grades K-8

Comprehension and Collaboration:

• Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas

Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas:

• Present information, findings, and supporting evidence
• Make strategic use of digital media and visuals of data to express information

Proposed Personalized Learning Experiences for Deeper Learning

• Maker Carts (K-5): Mobile carts of materials and design challenge lesson plans, connected to standards.
• Makerspaces: A space to learn tool competencies, create personalized projects or engage in larger challenges.
• Piloting Engineering Curriculum: Identify and pilot resources that challenge students to solve real world problems.
• STEAM Maker Challenges: Open-ended district-wide challenges to build excitement for STEAM for all grade levels.
• Maker Studios: A space to learn and produce digital storytelling, collaborate on personalized projects and produce campus-based or larger challenges.
• Maker Studio Carts: Mobile carts of equipment, including digital storytelling lesson plans, connected to standards.
• Project Based/Problem-Based Learning: Students apply their knowledge and 21st century skills to actively explore real-world problems and create solutions/final products.
• Digital Storytelling: Students use digital tools to capture their maker and studio challenged based learning experiences to create high quality stories, and presentations to share. locally and globally.
• STEAM Parent Nights: Families can experience STEAM/maker activities that they can also do at home.
• STEAM Maker Faire: Students showcase projects and share maker learning. District  Challenges may also be highlighted.

Timeline

Below is a proposed timeline for our work to have STEAM integrated throughout the district.