OCASA Elementary is paving the way for innovative education with its STEAM+ program and Inquiry Arc program. These two programs work together to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience that promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
The STEAM+ program at OCASA Elementary integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math into all subject areas. This multidisciplinary approach allows students to make connections between different subjects and see how they are all interrelated. Students engage in hands-on activities and projects that challenge them to think outside the box and use their knowledge in practical ways.
One of the key components of the STEAM+ program is its emphasis on innovation. Students are encouraged to think creatively and devise unique solutions to real-world problems. This not only fosters a love for learning but also prepares them for future careers that may not even exist yet.
But the STEAM+ program doesn't stop there. It also incorporates the arts into its curriculum, recognizing the importance of creativity in every aspect of life. Through music, visual arts, and performing arts, students develop their imagination and learn to express themselves differently. OCASA Elementary has a full-time team of educators who work alongside your student’s lead teacher to provide Music & Performing Arts, Fine Arts, STEM, and Spanish classes. (Spanish is the plus in STEAM+). Students will have classes with their STEAM+ teachers multiple times a week.
Another integral part of OCASA Elementary's curriculum is its Inquiry Arc program. This program follows a structured process that guides students through asking questions, gathering information, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This program aims to develop critical thinking skills and promote independent learning.
The Inquiry Arc program also encourages collaboration among students as they collaborate on projects and research. By engaging in group discussions and presenting their projects and findings to their classmates, students learn from each other's perspectives and build upon their understanding. The Inquiry Arc topics are common across the school, change each semester, and are tied to the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards.
What sets OCASA Elementary's STEAM+ program apart is how it complements the Inquiry Arc program. The hands-on activities in the STEAM+ curriculum provide an opportunity for students to apply what they have learned through inquiry-based learning. As they work on projects requiring critical thinking and problem-solving, students develop their research skills and apply the Inquiry Arc process. The STEAM+ program provides a strong foundation in essential subjects, while the Inquiry Arc program teaches students to think critically and independently.
OCASA Elementary's STEAM+ and Inquiry Arc programs lead the way in innovative education. These programs provide a well-rounded education and teach students valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. As we continue to see technological advancements and changes in the job market, schools must adapt their curriculum to prepare students for the future. OCASA Elementary's STEAM+ and Inquiry Arc programs do just that, creating a learning environment that inspires curiosity and fosters lifelong learning.