Classroom iPad Technology and Hands-on learning

Long Island Lutheran Day School, a religious day school for preschool through fifth grade on Long Island, recently added a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) lab to integrate the programs into its regular curriculum.

Long Island Lutheran Day School, which offers a Christ-center curriculum and environment for children ages 2 through fifth grade, added a STEAM program and lab to its kindergarten through fifth grade curriculum this year. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math, says admissions director Lorraine Rocco.

“Most schools have a STEAM [science, technology, engineering, and math] program, so our [STEAM] program is unique,” Rocco says.

The program launched Sept. 9 corresponding with the first day of classes this year. The STEAM lab where students participate in the program is an old computer lab that was turned into a place fully equipped with technology, furnishings, materials, and equipment designed for hands-on learning.

Lessons taught in the lab help to weave science, technology, engineering, art, and math into the child’s learning, versus stand-alone lessons. All of the lessons in the lab are hands-on which corresponds with children’s natural curiosity and problem-solving skills, Rocco says.

Students will learn about aerodynamics, electromagnetic systems, and more within the program. Four-year-olds through fifth grade students will be in the lab twice a week with a dedicated STEAM lab teacher.

As an example, older children will learn how to build catapults with basic objects, and younger students will learn about the properties of evaporation and absorption.

Main photo: Four-year-old preschool students work on the Krayon Kiosk with iPad tablets in the classroom.