By Alisa McGowan

STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math – is a curriculum philosophy that was recently adopted by the Hemingway STEAM School in Ketchum. STEAM curriculum incorporates elements of the above disciplines in a variety of capacities in every project or lesson. There is a stronger emphasis on how lessons are taught rather than on the details of the content conveyed. The ERC is proud to engage students in environmental education activities through STEAM-inspired lessons.

On Tuesday, March 20, the ERC participated in STEAM Night with Hemingway’s second-grade team. We are working with these students this winter and spring on a project that familiarizes them with noxious weeds through interactive lessons, the creation of a brochure on noxious weeds for the community, and a noxious weed pull near school.  At this event, alongside the ERC, students shared their brochures and planted native wildflower seeds.

Other hands-on, curriculum-based ERC youth education programs during the school year include:

WOW! Projects: In partnership with WOW-The Generosity Project, the ERC offers several service-learning style projects for classrooms throughout Blaine County. During the school day, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a topic that is interesting to them – first by participating in an introductory lesson and then by completing and presenting a relevant project. Projects not only engage students in learning, but also work to further educate and engage the community, ultimately promoting a healthier environment.

Growing Great Minds Programs: Supplemental science programs that bring the outdoor environment to life in the classroom or on field trips. Teachers can choose from a variety of programs offered by the ERC, Sawtooth Botanical Garden, Blaine County 4-H, and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area on the Growing Great Minds website.

Science After School: A free after-school science program for 4^th and 5^th grade students that explores the environment through interactive and engaging projects.

Spring Exploration Series: A six-week series that brings scientists from across the northwest to present on curriculum related topics to all 2^nd and 3^rd graders in Blaine County.

The ERC regularly works with eleven public and private schools across Blaine County.

Interested in an ERC program in your classroom or at your organization? Contact Alisa McGowan, ERC Program Director, at 208-726-4333 or alisa@ercsv.org.