The STEAMER approach integrates interdisciplinary learning, entrepreneurship training and applied research in bespoke environments that inspire students and teachers to take personal initiative, iterate and refine their individual educational pursuits. Activities use social awareness, sustainable agriculture, community service and entrepreneurship training to focus on student re-discovery of science through its relevance to their community and world, to promote personal growth and well-being.

Replicable student engagement models are designed by teachers and shared among participating schools. Current models support classes of varying middle school subjects and grade levels; each implements a set of targeted lessons and activities. Examples include: a STEAMER pipeline engineering design project that partners K-12 students with community and subject matter experts; a classroom course that links sustainable agriculture with a composting initiative; a program that merges student driven research on small-scale hydroponics with engineering design and entrepreneurship, and an informal “club” type after-school initiative.

Schools