What is STrEaM Academy and why should you choose us?
Our name infuses "STEM" (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) with research & the arts. We are a unique charter middle school for grades 6, 7 & 8 driven by our mission, "Anchorage STrEaM Academy empowers students to be involved learners, critical thinkers and engaged citizens inspired by the natural world." How do we do this?
Curriculum and instruction at STrEaM is driven by Project-Based Learning, incorporating STEM and experiential outdoor education. Students are taught through an integrated, hands-on approach. Instead of traditional "sit and get" learning, teachers work together to design projects encompassing multiple standards across subject areas. Class sizes are small, around 20 students, and student engagement is high.
What is an example of Project-Based Learning? 6th grade students study renewable and non-renewable energy resources from scientific, social, political and economic perspectives. They simulate mining and oil drilling in labs, engineer wind turbines, focus on the viability of renewable energy resources like wind or hydroelectric in our community, and present their findings to the Mayor of Anchorage for their final assessments. This model engages students by providing choice, allowing them to explore interests, work hands-on, collaborate in teams, research real topics and issues, engage with the community, and present to an audience. Teachers move from the "sage on the stage" to the "guide on the side," becoming facilitators of learning and empowering their students.
Hand-in-hand with STEM and Project-Based Learning at ASA is our focus on Experiential Education. We believe in getting kids outdoors and out in the community and environment in which we live. On a daily basis, we build in movement, activities, brain breaks, short recesses outdoors or walks in our local parks. Kids need exercise, activity and fresh air! STrEaM students go outside every day. We take several school-wide TREKs (Teaching Research Education with Kids), full-day excursions tied to learning goals and projects in our community and local environment. Our annual TREKs include trips to Arctic Valley, Lake Eklutna and Cheney Lake. Throughout the year guest presenters engage students on topics including STEM fields, wildlife, careers, local government, weather, energy and much more. Through these experiences our students are learning to be the future leaders and stewards of our community and environment.
The results of this approach to teaching and learning show. Our school culture is strong and positive, close-knit, not tolerant of bullying. We are engaged, focused on curiosity, inquisitiveness, discovery and learning. Students love their school, and our staff wouldn't work anyplace else. We all strive to make STrEaM the best school possible for our students.
Each Wednesday we release school at 12:00, so our dynamic staff have time to design and plan for Project-Based Learning. We provide 1 to 1 technology with student Chromebooks and all staff utilized Google Classroom to post assignments and information online. Our facilities at Wayland Baptist include 10 classrooms, a library, offices, access to the auditorium, a large fenced yard, and easy access to multiple parks.
Each Wednesday we release school at 12:00, so our dynamic staff have time to design and plan for Project-Based Learning. We provide 1 to 1 technology with student Chromebooks and all staff utilized Google Classroom to post assignments and information online. Our facilities at Wayland Baptist include 10 classrooms, a library, offices, access to the auditorium, a large fenced yard, and easy access to multiple parks.
Great things are happening at STrEaM, and you are invited to join us. Explorers wanted!
For more information: Call now (907) 742-9000
Stop by between 8 AM and 3:30 PM at Wayland Baptist University on Muldoon, across from the Totem theatre, or come for school tours each Tuesday in February at 9:30 AM.
Email the principal: mokelke_adam@asdk12.org
Email the Admin. Assistant/front office: biondich_sylvia@asdk12.org
On Twitter @Anc_STrEaM_AK
Instagram @Anchorage_Stream_Academy https://www.instagram.com/anchorage_stream_academy/
Instagram @Anchorage_Stream_Academy https://www.instagram.com/anchorage_stream_academy/
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