Students across St. Paul Education embraced the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through an exciting series of hands-on learning experiences. International STEAM Day was officially held in November, with some schools extending their celebrations into December and January. With guidance from the Division’s Innovative Teaching & Learning Consultant, Terra-Lee Gratton, learning spaces were transformed into a variety of activities and centres that fostered creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving among many K-12 students.
"STEAM learning prepares students for the future by developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills," said Gratton. "It encourages teamwork, innovation, and adaptability, which are key competencies for success in today’s world. Through hands-on activities like coding, robotics, and task-based challenges, students build resilience while applying their learning to real-world challenges. STEAM education fosters curiosity and equips students with skills that will benefit them in any path they choose."
From coding challenges using robotics to engineering design projects like paper roller coasters to educational task card challenges, students engaged in activities that encouraged innovation, communication, and collaboration. Many experimented with a variety of task-based challenges, including Snap Circuits, Keva planks, Lego, K’nex, Straws & Connectors, Magformers, and robotics such as Vex Go, Code & Go Mouse, Ozobots, Dash, and Botley—all of which helped them connect technology, problem-solving, and creativity.
At some schools, older and younger students worked together, with senior students leading the activity stations or mentoring their younger peers in hands-on projects. These experiences fostered leadership skills, built relationships, and reinforced learning for all involved. Meanwhile, teachers across the division observed how STEAM principles can be integrated into their lessons, making learning more engaging and interactive.
"STEAM learning and task-based challenges help students develop critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability," Gratton explained. "By tackling real-world problems, they build creativity, resilience, and a growth mindset, which helps prepare them to navigate future challenges with confidence."
For Gratton, one of the most memorable aspects of STEAM Day was seeing the energy and enthusiasm of the students. "What stood out the most about STEAM Day was the high level of student engagement and the visual sense of wonder displayed! While students tackled hands-on challenges, they were eager to collaborate with a partner to problem-solve the tasks. There was excitement in the air, and in the end, it made for a learning experience that was both meaningful and fun!"
Beyond just a day of activities, STEAM learning offers lasting benefits for students. "STEAM Day shifts learning from passive listening to active problem-solving," Gratton said. "It provides students with opportunities to move, collaborate, and think creatively as they engage in hands-on challenges, going beyond traditional content delivery. "Furthermore, working with a partner helps them develop communication and teamwork skills, while tackling real-world problems builds confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of concepts."
The excitement and curiosity sparked by STEAM Day have left a lasting impression. As St. Paul Education continues to explore hands-on, inquiry-based learning, these experiences will inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, creators, and innovators. The Division looks forward to expanding STEAM opportunities and building on this momentum in the years to come!
Story submitted by: Bridget Severin, St. Paul Education Regional Division
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