Frequently Asked Questions
What is STREAM?
It is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that incorporates Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts, and/or Mathematics.
What is the STREAM Initiative?
It is a Diocesan initiative to help prepare students for twenty-first century and beyond. The STREAM initiative skill into all parts of our Catholic School curriculum. The Diocese of Scranton has dedicated $1 million to incorporate STREAM into the curriculum of all 19 Catholic schools by May 2022.
You can visit the Diocese of Scranton website to find out more about this system-wide STREAM initiative.
What grades work on STREAM projects?
All grades at Epiphany will work on STREAM projects during the school year. The number of projects will be determined by Epiphany’s teachers and may vary by grade level.
How does a STREAM activity work?
STREAM activities allow students to engage in collaborative problem-solving activities in order to enhance their critical thinking skills. In many STREAM projects, students will use the Engineering Design Process to manage their projects.
What is the Engineering Design Process?
The Engineering Design Process is a series of steps that engineers follow to come up with a solution to a problem. Our students will use these steps, too. They will define a problem, research solutions & materials, plan their own solution, create or build their plan, test their solution, improve their plan based on the test, and share their results with our Epiphany community.
Why did you add a R and A to STEM?
R for Religion
Catholic teachings are the bedrock of all coursework and activities at Epiphany School and in the Diocese of Scranton. The “R” in STREAM focuses students on finding connections and meaning in their projects. Students make connections to bible stories and apply Catholic Social teachings to real-life problems.
Examples:
A project about how plants grow is tied to our duty to take care of God’s Creation.
A gingerbread house building project is tied to discussions about building tiny homes for the homeless.
A grow your own rainbow project is connected to the story of Noah.
A for Arts
Art classes aren’t just a way for children to be creative – they are also integral to developing students’ higher learning skills. A curriculum that integrate the arts can increase creativity, improve academic performance, increase motor skills, enhance visual learning, and boost higher decision-making skills for students. In addition, the arts are a critical part of communicating in our world. The
How are STREAM projects graded?
Due to their interdisciplinary nature, STREAM projects allow teachers to give multiple grades for each project. For example, teachers may decide to give an English grade for written work, a science grade for mastery of scientific concepts, and a computer grade for the use of technology skills.Our teachers will define the project’s grading criteria at the beginning of each project.