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S T E A M in SCOH

STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math

School City of Hobart intentionally provides all students with opportunities to be makers and innovators by embedding STEAM/STEM experiences throughout our schools. We foster a community where students engage in hands-on, real-world challenges that build foundational skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Our Approach to STEAM/STEM:

  • Dedicated maker spaces in every building support creativity and exploration, including the annual Brickie Maker and Innovator Faire and the upcoming Brickie Makers & Innovators Showcase 2025.
  • Hands-on projects, such as 4th graders designing prosthetics for injured stuffed animals, connect learning to real-world problems and emphasize foundational processes.
  • Grant-funded tools like the Anatomage Table, a 3D anatomy and physiology learning platform, along with Lego and robotics clubs, encourage students to embrace complex problems with multiple solutions.
  • Our entire elementary program, called Launch, encourages students to experiment, explore, and become risk-takers by solving problems across engineering, computer science, health science, and biomedical fields. This mindset continues into the Gateway program at Hobart Middle School and carries through to high school.
  • We break down barriers between school, work, and play through passion projects and competitions like Innovate WithIN, supported by the STARTedUP Foundation, promoting collaboration and innovation.
  • Students and staff also participate as presenters at events like the PNW AI/STEM Conference, further connecting learning to broader communities.
  • Responsible integration of AI tools like Khanmigo allows us to create engaging, relevant, and problem-solution-oriented content—such as exploring questions like “Why did the door come off the Boeing jet?”—while emphasizing ethical use and digital discernment.
  • This culture of connectedness, curiosity, integrity, and pro-social values empowers students to explore their interests, think big, and pursue meaningful causes—an approach recognized on platforms like 60 Minutes.
  • Our mission is to provide opportunities that inspire students to engage, experience, and explore, helping them discover what they enjoy and want to pursue further, all while fostering responsible use and discernment in technology and innovation.

Learn More About Our Maker Movement:

 

PLTW Distinguished School District:


School City of Hobart is one of only 27 school districts nationwide honored as a PLTW Distinguished School District. We have been intentional with PLTW since 1999 because it promotes critical thinking and problem solving through expert-designed, continually updated curriculum that is practical and forward-thinking. Building strong feeder systems and teaching students the value of trial and error in research are key components of our approach.

 

Elementary Programming:

  • Kindergarteners engage with Dash and Dot Robots and Lego Club.
  • The Launch program encourages experimentation and exploration, helping students become risk-takers and problem solvers across engineering, computer science, health science, and biomedical fields.
  • Maker spaces are available in every building.

 

Hobart Middle School Programming:

  • PLTW Gateway fuels students’ passion for discovery and builds confidence as they explore diverse career roles.
  • Courses include PLTW for grades 6, 7, and 8, Engineering Essentials, Medical Detectives, and Computer Science.

 

Hobart High School Programming:

  • PLTW Engineering and PLTW Biomedical programs.
  • Computer Science offerings include Software Development and Networking/Cyber Security.
  • Intentional Master Scheduling aligns courses within the same periods, enabling students to collaborate on passion projects. For example, Business and Marketing students work alongside Engineering students to craft pitches, develop products, and market them effectively. This collaboration extends to students and staff from Digital Design, PLTW, and Business/Marketing courses running concurrently, fostering teamwork on projects like those for the Innovate WithIN competition.
  • We are also reinventing the high school experience by integrating finance and marketing with STEM learning.

 

Extra-Curricular Opportunities:

  • Robotics clubs and Lego Club provide additional hands-on learning experiences.
  • Maker spaces serve as hubs for creativity and innovation beyond the classroom.
  • The annual Brickie Maker and Innovator Faire showcases student projects and innovation.
  • Participation in Innovate WithIN, supported by the STARTedUP Foundation, encourages students to pursue passion projects and entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Students and staff actively present at regional events such as the PNW AI/STEM Conference.