Environmental STEAM Focus
An Environmental STEAM Program
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)
principles through a focus on environmental literacy
At Heatherwood, we foster a deep connection between students and the natural world, encouraging them to love, explore, understand, and creatively address environmental challenges through a multidisciplinary approach. Community and inclusion are at the heart of the Heatherwood ecosystem.
Key Connections
- Boulder County Environmental Education Guidelines (E-Guidelines) connects students to their academic and social learning.
- Aligned with Seal of Climate Literacy.
- Future development of elementary-HS Environmental STEAM pathway.
- Colorado content standards and academic rigor will continue to be the core of the academic program at Heatherwood.
Expected Outcomes
Students will develop a strong foundation and comprehension of the core skills and values of STEAM, and the E-Guidelines (Boulder County's Environmental Education Guidelines). These skills will set each student up for success as they grow and develop in the BVSD school system and beyond.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) involves students in designing, developing and constructing hands-on solutions to a problem. Below is the overarching school driving question in this PBL work.
School Driving Question: How can we as a Heatherwood Community use our head, heart, hands and feet to intentionally learn about our past in order to shape our future?
Head
Grow with our Heads
Engage in hands-on project-based learning that tackles local environmental challenges and real-world phenomena.
Heart
Nurture with our Hearts
Build strong community connections through social-emotional learning, fostering empathy, respect, and self-awareness.
Hands
Act with our Hands
Lead community stewardship initiatives, encouraging students to take action for a sustainable future.
Feet
Connect with our Feet
Empower students to understand their impact on their communities, and the environment while nurturing a sense of responsibility in every step they take.
Grade Level Driving Questions
Program Values
- Emphasize project-based and place-based learning, focusing on creativity, problem-solving, and social justice.
- Adopt a whole-child approach that prioritizes social-emotional learning (SEL).
- Foster an inclusive environment where everyone is connected and contributes to the community.
- Engage with both the school and the wider Heatherwood community.
- Encourage relationships with self, others, and the environment.
- Facilitate multi-disciplinary connections through project-based learning.
- Utilize technology for real data collection and practical math applications.
- Integrate learning across different contexts—school, nature, and home.
- Recognize and value the contributions of all subjects and community partners in projects, including specials, counseling, and library activities.
