STEAMStart Kindergarten: Adventures in 2D Shapes (Steamstart K-2)

STEAMStart is a long-range project with short-term modules and single day activities. STEAMStart builds from the simple need to construct a home to the very complex structures required to bridge a river. RhomboSTEAM presents literacy components cross-cutting standards and authentic assessment with math at every turn and corner (as well as edge and vertex). Outcomes require patience to design reasonable solutions to real-world problems. In the process students use core skills in aesthetically beautiful project-based learning. Fabrication requires the development of a logical sequence and network: build spatial awareness; use math skills in real world challenges; develop problem-solving tools; increase manual dexterity and attention to detail.Learning shapes is great. Doing short-term interactive projects that involve shapes is even better. Turning those projects into inquiry-based challenges takes things a step further. Involving students in long-range projects that require multiple steps depth of knowledge and true integration of science and math is the goal.What is the format of these STEAM explorations? ENGAGE: Each activity uses a read-aloud book to jumpstart the investigation and engage students. EXPLORE: Get students up and moving to activate that extremely useful muscle memory. EXPLAIN: Each activity includes a brief background for the purpose of introducing the subject matter.and guiding discussion about the explorations. EXTEND: Although each of the 5 units containing a total of 25 investigations is written to stand alone together they also build knowledge required to meet a long-range project referred to as Module 1 In this long range project students will ultimately be challenged to help Rhombi prepare for a trip. ELA Build skills in communication writing and speaking.