Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) is an innovative educational movement that is teaching students how to a be successful in a 21st century economy. Employers, educators and parents have noticed that students thrive in problem-solving, creativity, ingenuity, critical thinking, dialogue and innovation due to these programs.
The University School of Jackson currently participates in the STEAM initiatives below and is actively adding new opportunities for students to learn using this method.
- Integrating computers, tablets and mobile devices in the classroom
- Lower school STEAM curriculum
- Bring your own device initiatives
- Robotics instruction
- Robotics after school club
- Emphasis on process-based learning
- Setting up google email accounts for all students 4th grade and up
STEAM activities require students to ask thoughtful questions and problem solve creatively. This process starts at design and is carried all the way through to implementation. Students learn how to step away from problem solving in a methodical step-by-step way and embrace trial and error.
Activities often require students to work in groups to solve a problem using the strengths of different members of the group and letting everyone bring something to the table.
Today’s career path is rapidly changing and USJ is preparing students to excel in a fluid environment that requires them to think for themselves and grow in innovation. Students are pushed beyond text book answers and are taught how to explore concepts that can’t be looked up on the internet.
This curriculum is giving students the tools that they need to be innovators in whatever field they choose to pursue.
The Lower School STEAM Lab is a space for exploring, making, failing, fixing and trying things in a different way. Students are encouraged to take on unfamiliar and challenging projects in teams as they utilize their critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills. Projects include the following:
- Coding on Code-A-Pillars (Kindergarten), Ozobots (1st-5th) & Dash and Dots (3rd-5th)
- Computer programming
- Robotics
- Lego robotics
- 3D Printers
- 3D Pens
- Engineering design & buildouts
- Google classroom
- Scratch coding summer camps
Heidi McDaniel
Heidi McDaniel is the lower school technology teacher.
She has two children (Michael & Maggie) and one grandchild (Matthew). Matthew is currently enrolled at The University School of Jackson. She received a degree in elementary education from Lambuth University.
Her hobbies include reading, traveling and spending time with family.
Kyle Hopper
Kyle Hopper is the director of technology at the University School of Jackson.
He is from Jackson, Tennessee and has two children, Aria & Jace. He is from Scotts Hill, TN and received a degree in computer science from the University of Memphis.
04/09/2021
The University School of Jackson is very pleased to announce Cynthia Kirsch’s hiring as its new Lower School Director. Mrs. Kirsch brings an extensive background in independent schools, from having attended one herself from Pre-K through 12th grade to serving 20+ years in leading independent lower schools in Dallas...
Read More04/06/2021
Headnotes: Tested A few years ago, a friend and I planned to run a half marathon. We set goals, trained accordingly, and were ready to go on race day. On that cool, perfect for running April morning, we came out of the chute faster than usual and were “banking...
Read More02/24/2021
USJ Announces New Director of Auxiliary Programs and a New After School Care and Camp Bruins Coordinator After School Care and Camp Bruins Director Faith Dixon and Assistant Development Director Cathy Garrett recently announced that they would leave USJ at the end of the school year. Both of these administrators...
Read More01/17/2020
The University School of Jackson is pleased to announce the promotion of Lauren Yancey to Assistant Director of the Camille and Ralph Jones Academic Center (JAC). Lauren will assist the JAC Director, Christy Glenn, in the day to day operation of the center and with the instruction of qualifying USJ...
Read More