Good Shepherd Catholic School (GSC) has added to their STEM initiative with the inclusion of religion and arts to their educational model.  STREAM stands for science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and math education.  This approach focuses on real-world applications, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and exploration.
 
“STREAM adds two more areas to a STEM approach to learning. Moving from STEM to STREAM is important for our students,” said Sister Helen Thomas, I.H.M., the Principal of GSC. “The purpose of our school is the religious formation and education of our children.  Religion is incorporated in all that we do.” Sister Helen also shared, “GSC has a strong fine arts program. There are many ways to tap into the creativity of our students using this approach. We are preparing our children to be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.”
 
As part of their focus on the STREAM initiative GSC has added new technology tools and resources available for students. These include:

• Robotics: Ozobots, LEGO Mindstorms, EV3, and Roboterra
• Coding: Coding apps integrated with robotics i.e., Botley and the coding robot
• Virtual Reality: Google Expedition

 
Students in Ms. Alexis Wilson’s sixth grade combined religion and technology using Ozobots, a pocket-sized robot that teaches programming, to map out the Story of Creation. Students coded a path for their robots which stopped on each day allowing students to guide classmates through the map and explain what happened on each day.
 
Ms. Wilson’s sixth grade class shared, “We learned about the Story of Creation when we were younger.  When using the Ozobots we were able to add coding to retell the story and we were able to really understand the love that God had for his plans.”

GSC teachers in preschool through eighth grade incorporate STREAM into lessons and special projects throughout the school year.