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Academics » STEAM

STEAM

WHAT IS STEAM?
S.T.E.A.M. is a commonly-used acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.
 
At Aspen View Academy, it means that we employ daily S.T.E.M. and arts curriculum to prepare our students with a solid foundation, teaching students to use science skills and technologies and combining those skills with visual art and music. We encourage students to learn with the 4 C's of STEM. Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking. 
S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curriculum prepares students for the specific technical skills necessary for 21st century success. STEM also teaches important life skills such as teamwork, independent problem-solving, perseverance, and responsibility. 
In elementary school, students experience art activities and learn visual arts techniques that develop fine motor skills, like painting, drawing, clay sculpting, etc.
 
Middle School Art builds on the different mediums learned in elementary school and combines their studies with the Core Knowledge curriculum. Students learn Greek sculptures, Egyptian art, portraiture, Cubism. 
In elementary school, students learn the basics of Spanish. Middle school students have the option to learn either Spanish or French. 
Students begin learning about music through movement, voice, and on the keyboard station. As students develop their musical skills, they learn about music on other instruments including the recorder and ukulele. Elementary students put on a grade-level music performance for parents once a year. 

Elementary Students are taught using the "Dalcroze Eurhythmics". This approach is highly regarded among music educators of all levels. There is currently only six teachers in Colorado using this approach!  Dalcroze Eurhythmics originates from the late 19th Century in Geneva, Switzerland by the professor of Solfege and Harmony named Émile Jaques-Dalcroze. His students could play the most technically challenging music given to them, but Jaques-Dalcroze noticed they were not performing with any musical nuance or internal feeling. Jaques-Dalcroze believed the human body is the first instrument to learn. To do this, he invented what is now referred to as "Eurhythmics". Eu-From the Greek word GOOD. Rhythmics- From the Greek word RHTHMOS meaning FLOW or RIVER. Eurhythmics uses movement in accordance to listening to train the human body as an instrument. For example, have you every tried to take a drink of water in the Meter of 3? Have you every tried to skip somewhere at the speed of the typical sea-shanty (90 beats/min)? Have you tried pouring your morning cup of coffee or tea in exactly 8 beats? Dalcroze takes the professional musicians extremely abstract and difficult musical concepts and makes it child friendly.

In elementary music class, students will learn not only basic musical skills, but how to listen and appreciate music, all while furthering their emotional and social education.

Middle School Students also have the opportunity to join band or orcehstra and learn to play an instrument. Please refer to the Performing Arts section (below). 

Theater

Middle School students have the ability to take a Performing Arts elective. In this elective, students have the opportunity to explore many different areas of the theatre world. Students will learn about acting, drama games, and scene creation. After that, they will learn about technical theatre and how designers create different  aspects of a show. The last unit covers different genres of theatre and how actors and designers change their craft to fit the tone of a show. 
 

Band and Orchestra

In Aspen View Academy's Middle School Band and Orchestra programs, students will embark on a musical journey where they learn to play instruments in 6th grade, grasp fundamental music theory concepts, and develop their skills through regular practice and instruction. Throughout the school year, they will have the opportunity to showcase their progress and talents at quarterly concerts, fostering confidence and stage presence. Moreover, students will cultivate teamwork and collaboration as they work alongside their peers to create harmonious performances, fostering a supportive and enriching musical environment. Students are expected to rent (or purchase, but renting is recommended to start) their own instrument.
In physical education, students develop large motor skills while learning specific physical competencies and spatial awareness through game play and physical practice. Instructors encourage sportsmanship and team-building.  
Students begin by learning basic computer skills, including typing, as early as kindergarten. Good keyboarding skills are the foundation of technology. Students learn to be proficient in the Google Workspace suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides). As students demonstrate proficiency in Google, they also begin to learn coding, and game development.
 
Curriculum and assessment materials are aligned with ISTE, state, and national standards for technology education.