Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Trumansburg STEAM and science teams highlight student projects, new courses and community partnerships
Summary
District STEAM and science faculty showcased project‑based learning from kindergarten through high school, previewed new STEAM courses (intro to STEAM studio, project incubator, residencies) and described partnerships with Cornell and local organizations for hands‑on experiences.
A cross‑school STEAM team and the district science department presented a multi‑level review of hands‑on, project‑based learning that administrators and board members praised as a use of recent capital investments and curriculum innovation.
Dewitt Grow, the STEAM program coordinator, said the hub emphasizes learner‑driven projects and interdisciplinary work across grades. Presenters showed elementary robotics tied to a musical production, 3‑D printing projects, and an entrepreneurship pathway that has students create business plans and prototypes. The elementary maple syrup project — students tapped trees and boiled sap on campus — was highlighted as a community‑connected learning example.
Middle‑ and high‑school presenters described a 10‑week middle school STEAM rotation aligned to social studies, entrepreneurship projects tied to seventh‑grade math, and high school courses that offer dual enrollment college credit. Chris, a high‑school STEAM teacher, said recent initiatives include a free community bike clinic and a student‑run design and production course that is yielding increased enrollment.
The science department (represented by Billy Gallant and colleagues) described a shift in curriculum to phenomena‑based, three‑dimensional standards and assessments. They noted changes in course names and sequencing (earth and space science; life science/biology) and outlined professional development on evidence‑based reasoning and investigations to prepare students for the new assessment formats.
Presenters repeatedly emphasized community partnerships and extracurricular opportunities — examples included collaboration with Cornell graduate students, a local small‑farms mentor for a mushroom cultivation project, and community service builds with local scouting groups. Administrators said the STEAM and science programming supports the district’s Portrait of a Graduate work and will connect to proposed future credit and CTE opportunities.
Board members thanked staff and encouraged broader communication to families about showcases and art/STEAM events.
