Environmental STEAM Focus
Program Description
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.
- Boulder County Environmental Education Guidelines (E-Guidelines) to learning 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.
Program Values
Heatherwood Values for Program Design:
- 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.
Expected Outcomes
Students show growth over time in four areas of their learning as laid out in
Boulder County Environmental Education Guidelines (E-Guidelines)
Grow with Our Heads
Engage in hands-on project-based learning that tackles local environmental challenges and real-world phenomena.
Nurture with Our Hearts
Build strong community connections through social-emotional learning, fostering empathy, respect, and self-awareness.
Act with Our Hands
Lead community stewardship initiatives, encouraging students to take action for a sustainable future.
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.