STREAM

A dedicated team from Blessed Trinity School participated in the STEM Trustey
Fellowship Program with the University of Notre Dame. That team, of who Mrs. Kenna
was a part, was honored to be selected as one of only nine teams accepted into the
Fellowship's fifth cohort, chosen from over 40 applicants nationwide. This program has
significantly enhanced our school’s access to STEM-related resources through a
collaborative network spanning over 18 states. We have benefited from networking with
other STEM Teaching Fellows, sharing data to provide authentic contexts for our class
assignments, utilizing professional development and family night resources, and
engaging in collaborative projects across multiple schools.

As part of this transformative experience, Blessed Trinity has developed a
comprehensive blueprint to promote inquiry and creativity at all levels. Our STREAM
initiative aligns with our mission to cultivate 21st-century learners who will become
collaborative and innovative leaders in our global community. We have successfully
integrated regular STREAM activities across all grade levels, incorporating hands-on,
minds-on Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math concepts into our everyday curriculum.

One of the highlights has been our annual family STREAM night, during which we
invited families from our school and parish community to explore STREAM integration and collaborate on a project. It is always inspiring to witness families engaging in the Engineering Design Process together, fostering meaningful discussions and teamwork.

We have already seen firsthand the enthusiasm of our students for our STREAM initiatives. Pre-K and Kindergarten students joyfully sing an Engineering Is Elementary song to remember the steps of the Engineering Design Process. Elementary students actively apply these steps to solve real-world problems, while middle school students interact with guest speakers who help them connect classroom learning to real-world solutions.

All grade levels benefit from integrated STREAM lessons that also teach Catholic Social
Teaching alongside science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and math skills. We
have invested in LEGO Education Kits at varying developmental levels to inspire PK
through 8 th grade students, as well as Engineering is Elementary (EiE) units for the
whole school. Engineering is Elementary is an integrated curriculum developed by the
Museum of Science in Boston. We have 4 units for each grade level to fully immerse
our students in integrated STREAM learning throughout the year.

A STREAM-integrated approach to learning opens doors that were once thought closed,
providing everyone the opportunity to engage with the world in a meaningful way. In an
environment that often lacks positive change-makers, STREAM serves as a powerful
force for good.

Mission of STREAM Program

STREAM integration fosters a growth mindset in order to solve real-world problems and
break stereotypes through collaboration, critical thinking, and Catholic Social Teaching.