What is STEAM?

STEAM is an acronym for Science, Technology,Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics.  The idea of emphasizing these subjects in delivering the curriculum has been driven by the business community, with the goal of preparing an agile and competitive workforce. It is important to note that STEAM is not a program, but a philosophy.  In the real world, content knowledge is interwoven, layered and sophisticated, not experienced in isolation such as in traditional education settings (separate math time, separate science time, etc.). STEAM skills are vital for success in the 21st century and critical to our collective future. The "Critical C's" of Collaboration, Cooperation and Communication are emphasized through project-based learning, usually through interdisciplinary (across subjects) activities.

STEAM at Hilburn Academy

Hilburn Academy gained entry into the NC STEM Collaborative Network in 2011.  The school has an on-site STEAM Coordinator, Dianna Stavros. She works with teachers, students, and community partners to integrate STEAM and throughout the building. The collaborative partnerships with our business alliance encourage real-life applications and feedback for students. Hilburn's teachers participate in high-quality, focused professional development, and students actively engage in lessons and activities that apply 21st Century skills in STEAM-specific fields of study.  Active learning and engagement is always the goal, with student choice a key component of exploratory learning.   At Hilburn, this work is done through the application of the Engineering Design Process in every subject area beginning in Kindergarten.

The National Academy of Engineers has identified 14 Grand Challenges that the world faces in this century.  Each of these grand challenges can be solved by lifelong learners of STEM. Every job, even the ones you wouldn’t expect, will require at least basic STEM skills. Research shows that these skills are transferable and needed in every job sector.  

At Hilburn Academy, students apply the curriculum through the lens of STEAM-focused activities.  Young learners master skills and competencies that will enable them to appreciate the complexities - and opportunities - of deeper work in addressing the Grand Challenges at the secondary level and beyond.  

STEAM provides the underpinnings for every child to be successful in college, work, and life. STEAM graduates are problem solvers, innovators, inventors, and logical thinkers. They are able to immediately take advantage of opportunities through post-secondary institutions and businesses.