STEAM at Legacy…
S - Science
Observing patterns, building hypotheses and testing theories are how children learn to explain what they see and experience. Legacy's elementary Science teacher, who has taught college courses and AP physics, introduces our learners to Science skills that develop the confidence and abilities to think and communicate more clearly; to develop advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills; to innovate solutions to complex issues; to think creatively; and to see an idea through each step, from brainstorming to production.
T - Technology
Early Legacy learners build and use simple tools like levers, ramps, and pulleys to observe and experience cause-and-effect reasoning, but quickly accelerate their skills under the tutelage of Legacy’s Information Technology teacher. You’ll find third graders building computers from scratch and fifth-graders utilizing the latest presentation software to better communicate their ideas in other courses. At Legacy, media literacy education and online safety training drive conversations on tech ethics while enrichment opportunities like our award-winning robotics programs provide a chance for students to compete and connect with their peers.
E - Engineering
Legacy third graders start using the Academy's 3D printers - and our middle-school learners build them! Every grade designs, builds, and crafts engineering projects, developing hand/eye coordination, spatial awareness, and an understanding of how and why things work. Legacy's Mechanical Engineering class, taught by a tech entrepreneur, turns theoretical into the practical. Students attach bolts and fasteners; use a T-square; evaluate adhesion properties; load software; observe the relationship between torque and speed; study motion with motors and so much more. By engaging in various forms of engineering - from electrical to mechanical and beyond - Legacy students are preparing for the careers of the future…and the necessities of a more self-sufficient life.
A - Art
Sensory exploration ignites creativity, cognitive development, and self-esteem. Legacy students benefit from art instructors who are experts in their field who not only promote discovery and creative thinking but give our learners the opportunity to develop greater conceptual thinking skills and practice analyzing and evaluating information in new, exciting ways. And there’s more thrilling news - Legacy’s STEAM team will soon have one more resource at their disposal: two new learning environments that will include an expanded area for a longtime key Legacy enrichment - art. One lab space will be reserved for the Traditional Arts, like painting, drawing, and sculpture. The second space will be outfitted for the Digital Arts, including architecture, sketching, digital photography, LCA, video production, sound recording, and audio tech.
M - Mathematics
Discovering how numbers, operations, volume, distance, shapes, sequences and sizes inform our learners’ understanding of the world around them is key to being able to process more complex situations and equations later. Legacy students refine their problem-solving skills at every turn in our STEAM coursework. Legacy multi-method mathematics education teaches patience with the process and resilience while also growing students' confidence and excitement for learning. With hands-on education, coupled with Legacy's small class size, LCA's learners are able to deeply explore mathematical concepts and applications that are usually not introduced until the high school or college level.
STEAM learning happens in every one of Legacy's differentiated classes, in our programming and through each curriculum emphasis. Each is built on a system of acquiring and applying evidence to solve problems and it evolves organically as we guide our learners in the investigations of the world around them. These skills aren't reserved for the Science Lab at Legacy, but are present in language arts, history and other subjects, too.