STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)

At Orion Alternative School, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is the integration of computer science and engineering across all content areas such as language arts, science, and social studies. The goal of the program is to prepare students to be complex problem-solvers ready to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Our school has developed a computer science progression that spans K-5. Students start computer science in kindergarten, programming robots using scannable wooden blocks. In grades 1 and 2, students develop their coding skills by creating interactive stories using block-based programs. As students progress through grade 3-5, they add to their programming skills by building games and websites in content areas such as mathematics and social studies. By 5th grade, students are ready to build their own robots with micro-controllers to solve challenging engineering problems, which are integrated into their language arts curriculum.

The STEAM program prepares students to be effective communicators in collaborative groups and create meaningful solutions to engineering problems as they contribute to future innovation and the global society.