STEAM

Barstow's STEAM program uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and math as access points to 21st century skills. Students in kindergarten through grade 12 learn to think critically, solve problems, create, communicate and collaborate across the curriculum.
So why add the “A?” Because our students are makers and doers. Through visual arts, music, creative writing and filmmaking, they apply what they learn about science, technology, engineering and math. STEAM is woven into core subjects and electives because creating a project deepens a student’s understanding of the subject matter. It’s project-based, hands-on and experiential, three qualities that define a Barstow education.

35+

STEAM-focused specials, electives & clubs in all divisions
Ranked among

Top 20%

U.S. STEM high schools
Newsweek/STEM.org Dec. 2019

3

Top 20 Final
Burns & McDonnell Battle of the Brains

STEAM in Each Division

List of 3 items.

  • Lower School

    In weekly STEAM classes for kindergarten through grade 5, students tackle increasingly difficult levels of design thinking, computer coding and engineering challenges. They can then apply that learning to language arts, social studies and history, too. When lower schools students read a book about bridges, they build one of their own and test its strength. When they study biomes, they research and design projects that demonstrate their knowledge. STEAM learning builds connections between disciplines.
  • Middle School

    Middle school students take STEAM skills to the next level. They have been working in a digital world for years so they know how to actively seek and apply information. Now, they learn to use that information to solve problems and create solutions.

    In VEX Robotics, teams build and program robots to put them through a series of challenges and competitions. In Middle School Makers, they brainstorm, invent and create products using cutting edge tools. We offer STEAM-centered electives for every kind of creative mind — digital, musical, artistic and analytical.
  • Upper School

    In a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, success is driven not only by what a student knows, but by what a student can do with that knowledge. Upper school students gather and evaluate data, then apply it to create solutions to real-world problems.

    Our faculty teaches challenging computer science, coding and robotics courses using cutting-edge techniques and technology. Those who don't choose STEAM electives still learn STEAM principles across the curriculum. They create digital films and 3D art projects, learn research technology and enjoy gamified learning in math, physics, biology and language arts.

STEAM Staff

List of 4 members.

  • Photo of Scott Daniel

    Scott Daniel 

    Vice President Technology, US Computer Science
    (816) 277-0358
  • Photo of Cassie Banka

    Cassie Banka 

    Director of the Dan and Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC, Engineering Department Chair
    (913) 825-4220
  • Photo of Jennifer McNickle

    Jennifer McNickle 

    LS STEAM
    (816) 277-0401
  • Photo of Brianna Pusey

    Brianna Pusey 

    IDEA Space KC Community Outreach Coordinator
    (913) 825-4230