STEAMx
At Lincoln School, STEAM is not only a core subject, but is taken to another level. We believe that girls and young women deserve early access and a diverse launchpad for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
Our signature program, entitled 'STEAMx' is a holistic educational approach that combines multiple disciplines to enhance the learning experience. Our world is a beautiful, complex, and intricate tapestry of learning, all in its own right. It's important to consider how we can facilitate inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking while preparing students for future careers in industries that require a multidisciplinary approach.
The STEAM Hub, the only dedicated space for STEAM learning for girls in Rhode Island, broke ground in late May 2017, and celebrated its grand opening just shy of a year later. The addition features a modern two-story glass facade, 4,000-square-feet of interdisciplinary teaching space for science, math, and the humanities, including new physics and chemistry labs and recently renovated biology labs, glass-enclosed study spaces, and a 2,000-square-foot art gallery for students and visiting artists.
The Lincoln School STEAMx education emphasizes the development of real-world skills essential for girls' success in today's workforce.
Grades Served:
PreK - Grade 12
Creativity is the secret sauce of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. That's why the STEAMx program at Lincoln is such a fantastic opportunity for students. It gives them the chance to develop their curiosity and love of learning.
John Diego Arango, Lincoln School STEAMx Program Director
STEAMx: Lower School
Lower School STEAMx is a rich, multifaceted curriculum that empowers students to connect and apply their learning from different subjects through hands-on projects that provide new perspectives and build new skills. This program encourages students to think critically and creatively, test and evaluate their ideas, and communicate their processes and solutions to others.
Students are introduced to various tools, techniques, and technologies in a thoughtful progression that builds and strengthens skills and confidence. They are encouraged to explore and experiment with different methods, making mistakes and experiencing failure. By focusing on the thought process and problem-solving skills, students develop a growth mindset that will serve them well.
A key component of STEAMx education is hands-on, project-based learning. Students work on projects that incorporate their interests, allowing them to achieve curricular learning goals in ways that are meaningful to them. This approach fosters an environment where students’ ideas and experiences are valued, and success is not limited by intellectual constraints or fear of failure.
With the flexibility to explore new concepts at their own pace and skill level, students can become independent, critical thinkers well-prepared for future challenges.
STEAMx: Middle School
As Middle School STEAMx students progress through their academic journey, they become increasingly independent and capable of tackling more challenging tasks. The STEAMx program is an excellent fit for these young learners, as it allows them to explore and experiment in a way that encourages student agency, reflection, creative thinking, and discovery. Additionally, STEAMx projects are a great way to foster and deepen interest in specific areas of science or math.
Our Design Lab is a spacious collaborative space that encourages hands-on, project-based learning. Equipped with cutting-edge tools like laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, and power tools, learners gain direct experience using materials, hardware, and software associated with the fields of robotics, technology, and design, drafting technology, architectural technology, and advanced woodworking, which prepares students for various high-tech careers.
Sharing STEAMx with older students provides many benefits, including developing engineering, critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. Class projects and challenges also promote team building and collaborative skills, instilling a love for science and a broader understanding of the world's workings. Students who engage in STEAMx activities develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts and the engineering design process while also providing fun and memorable experiences.
STEAMx: Upper School
In Upper School, we strive to incorporate STEAMx into our classes across the curriculum. Our mission is to equip high school students with the skills they need to succeed in college and the future job market. We strongly emphasize content knowledge and 21st-century skills, as well as the development of problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. Our STEAM Hub is a spacious collaborative space that encourages hands-on, project-based learning. Equipped with cutting-edge tools like laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, and power tools, our students are well-prepared for future study in robotics, technology and design, drafting technology, architectural technology, and advanced woodworking. We're proud to say that the design-thinking framework is a crucial part of our curriculum, and we're excited about the innovative learning opportunities it provides.
As students progress through each grade level, they are taught the importance of the design process. This process helps them to brainstorm, prototype, test, and redesign their projects to solve real-world problems. In our 9th-grade class, Models, and Fabrication, we start with simple shapes and move to more complex objects. The most exciting part is when students create their final projects using 3D printers. We use software like Tinkercad and other CAD design tools to assist students in bringing their ideas to life. It is truly amazing to witness the transformation of designs from mere sketches to physical objects! Our STEAMx curriculum is designed to strengthen 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, which are essential for success in the workplace of the future. In addition, our multidisciplinary approach allows students to integrate topics from different subject areas for an interdisciplinary and applied approach, ensuring that they receive a well-rounded education that will prepare them for future challenges.
Orthopedics in Action
University Orthopedics recently partnered with Lincoln School on a program aimed at exposing more women to a career in orthopedics surgery and reducing gender disparity in the field.