STEAM - is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking - Susan Riley; Arts Integration Specialist
“STEAM is transforming education” This approach to learning is certainly not an easy task, but the benefits to students and the entire school community are tremendous. Students and teachers engaged in STEAM make more real-life connections so that school is not a place where you go to learn but instead becomes the entire experience of learning itself. We are always learning, always growing, always experimenting. School doesn’t have to be a place, but rather a frame of mind that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math as a lever to explosive growth, socialemotional connections, and the foundation for the innovators of tomorrow...today! The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the entire creative process. These are the innovators, educators, leaders and learners of the 21st century!
21st Century Warriors are on the move!
Dear Salamanca Community,
“The future of the economy is in STEM,” says James Brown, the executive director of the STEM Education Coalition in Washington, D.C. “That’s where the jobs of tomorrow will be.” To better prepare our future leaders, engineers, software developers, programmers and technicians, the Salamanca City Central School District has recognized the urgency of STEM programming. STEM has many variations and focuses instruction in four or five key areas Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and sometimes the Arts. Design, planning, programming and aesthetics are critical components of these 21st Century skills that will lead to high paying, jobs in Western New York, the energy corridor in the southern tier and Pennsylvania and across the country. STEM/STEAM workers use their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, or math to try to understand how the world works and to solve problems. Their work often involves the use of computers and other tools and typically requires a more collaborative rather than an independent approach to solve complex problems.
Salamanca has expanded program offerings to include robotics, advanced science courses, software programming and is working with staff, local colleges and universities to offer advanced electives in mathematics. Students are currently experiencing STEM/STEAM programming that includes 3D printing, engineering and coding. Over the next year these offerings will continue to expand and continue to filter down into elementary level programs for students at Seneca and Prospect. The future STEM/STEAM leaders of tomorrow are today’s students. As this field of study explodes, it will be exciting to see our students grow and master highly technical skills.
Sincerely,
Robert Breidenstein
Superintendent
Salamanca City Central School District
STEAM careers in demand* Hourly Wage $
Environmental Engineers 36.51
Dietitians/Nutritionists 28.32
Electric/Electronic Engineer 27.91
Computer Programmers 37.71
Market Research Analysts 30.42
Natural Science Managers 50.37
Health & Safety Engineers 38.05
Industrial Technicians 24.51
Medical Scientists 28.51
*this is only a sample of the STEAM careers in demand!