Del Mar district touts benefits of starting young in STEM learning

This month, the Del Mar Union School District is shining a spotlight on STEAM +, the program that offers meaningful hands-on learning experiences to students in the subjects of science, technology, engineering, art, music and physical education.

“We have fun learning in STEAM,” said one student in a presentation shown at the Oct. 8 school board meeting. Students shared what they are discovering in STEAM+ this school year, from learning about the microbiome and how bacteria effects the body to working together as a tribe of classmates in a six-week game of “Survivor” in PE. They are painting, building robots and making QR codes and learning how to strum the ukulele—one group of girls even composed their own tune.

Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services Alison Fieberg said research has shown that students who have an early exposure to STEM disciplines are more likely to pursue advanced coursework and careers in related fields. Thanks to a partnership with the Del Mar Schools Education Foundation, which provides 30% of funding for specialists, all kindergarten through third grade students get at least 120 minutes of STEAM+ a week while grades fourth through sixth receive at least 180 minutes a week.

Through their “inquiry-driven” explorations in science and technology, students are able to develop a deeper conceptual understanding, Fieberg said. Many projects in STEAM connect to real-world issues such as sustainability, energy conservation and water use in California.

“Creativity and problem-solving are strengthened through the inclusion of the arts. That allows students to engage in creative, design-based learning that improves student innovation and the ability to approach problems from multiple perspectives,” Fieberg said. “This mirrors the demand of our workforce where creativity and adaptability are ranked as top skills by employers.”

As Fieberg noted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that STEM occupations will grow nearly twice as fast as non-STEM occupations through 2031—those types of jobs will require both technical and creative problem-solving skills.

“Embedding STEAM at the elementary level ensures students begin to develop the flexible skillsets demanded by an innovation-driven economy,” she said.

All nine DMUSD schools will be hosting STEAM+ night celebrations as an opportunity for families to make, create and move together. Upcoming STEAM + nights include Del Mar Heights on Oct. 21, Del Mar Hills on Oct. 23, Ashley Falls on Oct. 28 and Carmel Del Mar on Oct. 30.