The term "innovators of tomorrow" can feel a bit grand for a second grader, but the truth is, the best time to start thinking like an engineer is while you are still young enough to be fearless! Over the past two years, our elementary classrooms have been buzzing with a new kind of energy, fueled by our dedicated STEM Coach, Mr. Carey.

Our district has placed a strong focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) project-based learning in our K-5 buildings in particular, because elementary school is where kids gain key foundational skills and knowledge, while also developing their learning identity. By introducing STEM early, we are doing more than teaching facts. We are building a foundation of critical thinking and resilience that will serve these students for a lifetime.

When students engage with STEM early on, they learn:

• Problem-Solving: How to break a big challenge into small, manageable parts.
• Mental Flexibility: Realizing that "failure" is just another way to collect data for a better design.
• Confidence: The realization that they have the tools to understand and change the world around them.

As STEM Coach, Mr. Carey’s role is to make these high-level concepts feel like a natural part of the school day. By collaborating with fellow teachers to integrate STEM more fully into their existing curriculum, he has helped move engineering and scientific concepts off the printed page and into the students’ hands. This coaching model gives our dedicated teachers additional tools to lead the kind of complex, sometimes-messy, and exciting lessons that spark curiosity and foster confidence.

A perfect snapshot of this happened recently in Mrs. Williams’ 2nd grade class at McKinley Elementary, when students participated in a classic engineering classroom challenge: build a bridge using only paper, straws, popsicle sticks, and tape.

The room was a whirlwind of teamwork as young thinkers applied real-world concepts and worked together to meet a challenge where the process may have been as important as the end result. The teams explored the basics of structural integrity, but also communicated their ideas to one another and learned how to pivot and come up with a "Plan B" when a support beam buckled.

This challenge, which has been popping up in classrooms across the district, is more than just a fun afternoon activity. By investing in STEM coaching, we are empowering our teachers to facilitate complex, inquiry-based learning with confidence, and helped build a strong foundation for future learning for students as they progress. As Mr. Carey continues to bridge the gap between theory and practice, our students are proving every day that they aren't just waiting for the future – they are getting ready to build it.

See more photos of the class in the online photo gallery.

Mrs. Williams