STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)

CISD launched a new program in the 2023-2024 school year that continues its trajectory as a District of Innovation by offering a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) curriculum — including coding, robotics and the engineering design process — at all of its elementary schools. This instructional design promotes higher level thinking and creativity for Kindergarten to 5th grade students in CISD.

The young learners started off with a fundamental activity that simulated a satellite rotating around a central point. CRE STEAM Teacher Erika Malcom — who taught 4th grade for 17 years before teaching STEM and computer science — guided her students to a basic understanding of robotics by posing questions such as, “What is a robot?”, “What does a motor do?” and “What are batteries for?”

CISD STEAM Instructional Coach Michael Yakubovsky explained that the robotics program is a continuous journey for the students as every grade in elementary participates in robotics, and, eventually, each grade will build on the work of the prior years. “Having a program that students can be a part of for up to six years is an exciting opportunity. We are still investigating what our elementary robotics work will eventually look like and how it will transition to the current program at Coppell High School.”