Skamania STEAM
Welcome to our school’s STEAM program! Skamania School is excited to offer our students the opportunity to attend STEAM classes twice a week in addition to their core classwork. Our STEAM classes are designed to inspire curiosity, empower students to ask questions, promote creativity and exploration, and connect their problem-solving skills to real-life situations.
In our STEAM classes, students are encouraged to think outside the box and explore new ideas. Through hands-on activities and projects, they are able to apply what they have learned in their core classes to real-world scenarios. This not only reinforces their understanding of the material but also allows them to see the practical applications of their knowledge.
Our STEAM program is designed to cater to students of all ages. For our older students, the classes provide an opportunity to build upon their years of learning and delve deeper into complex concepts. For our youngest students, the program offers a chance to experience content in different ways, fostering a love for learning from an early age.
One of the key benefits of our STEAM program is the emphasis on collaboration. Students are encouraged to work together in teams, practicing essential skills such as communication, compromise, and empathy. Through collaborative projects, they learn the importance of listening to others’ ideas, respecting different perspectives, and working towards a common goal.
Creative problem-solving is at the heart of our STEAM program. Students are challenged to think critically about how they would approach a similar problem in the future, using their creativity and analytical skills to come up with innovative solutions. This not only prepares them for future academic and professional challenges but also instills in them a lifelong love for learning and problem-solving. Join us on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery!
A Lighthouse district
In fall 2018, Skamania School was recognized by the state for its innovative practices and its ability to inspire students to study STEM. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) named Skamania a STEM Lighthouse school and awarded it a $20,000 grant for the 2018-19 school year—one of only six in the state.
While integrating STEM-related studies throughout the school’s curriculum, Skamania staff are sharing strategies to support other small, rural schools statewide.
Skamania School is proud to offer our students a comprehensive STEAM program that fosters curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Through our classes, students develop the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.
STEM News
Skamania students & teachers featured in article about nPower Girls
“I want to be a biologist because I’m really interested in animals and plants,” says Ariel, a fourth-grade student at Skamania Grade School. Ashlyn, also a fourth-grade student at Skamania Grade School, said she was excited about...
Garden brings life lessons, fun and funds to school
“A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.” —British horticulturist, Gertrude Jekyll Now in its second year, the Skamania School garden—a joint project with the PTO—has...
Outdoor classroom extends to the Coast
Skamania’s motto is “The Gorge is our classroom,” but this spring the fifth and sixth graders ventured all the way to the Coast for a three-day “outdoor school.” OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) and Skamania School staff, and parent volunteers accompanied...
Photo and Video Gallery
Skamania’s 4th, 5th and 6th graders releasing the salmon to the river at Beacon Rock
Skamania’s fifth and sixth graders explore seaside ecosystems with Outdoor School
STEM Lighthouse School
OSPI STEM program supervisor Dan Tedor presents the Lighthouse Award to Skamania School.
Outdoor STEM at Beacon Rock State Park
Students visit Beacon Rock to run their timed mile—integrating STEM studies and physical education class.
School Garden booth at Farmer’s Market 2018
Science comes to life as students and staff grow produce in the school garden—and sell it at the farmer’s market.
Measuring Wind Speed
The third and fourth grade classes studied wind and made anemometers—devices that measure wind speed—using cups and straws
Phases of the Moon
The kindergarten, first and second grade classes studied the phases of the moon and how what they see in the sky indicates where the moon is orbiting in relation to the earth and sun.
Building a Heart
Seventh and eighth graders study the heart and circulatory system, building a working model to share with the school.
Fifth and sixth graders studied the impacts of air pressure. One of the special opportunities at smaller schools like Skamania is that students from different grades work and learn together.
A student explains the how the heart model works.