← The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast22 Sept · 41 min

217. Lessons for Starting A STEAM Program with K-4 STEAM Teachers from Ladue School District

217. Lessons for Starting A STEAM Program with K-4 STEAM Teachers from Ladue School District22 Sept41 min

Listen on SpotifyAlso works in your browser

11 more apps

In this episode, I’m joined by four elementary STEAM teachers who worked together to build a brand-new K–4 STEAM program across their district: Kristina Lodes, Jenny Bradley, Miranda Berry, and Mary Linneman.

We’re chatting about what that process actually looked like—from defining their roles and creating a curriculum to working with a budget, using materials they already had, and figuring out how to fit robotics, coding, engineering, makerspace, 3D printing, and more into a meaningful learning experience for students.

You’ll also hear about some of the biggest successes they’ve had along the way, including STEM Survival Camp, 3D printing, digital portfolios, and their district-wide STEAM Fest and Recycled Runway. Most importantly, they share how collaboration, having a strong starting point, and being willing to adapt lessons for their own students helped make an overwhelming process feel much more manageable.

Whether you’re brand new to teaching STEM or STEAM, helping build a program from scratch, or looking for ways to strengthen the program you already have, this conversation is packed with real-life ideas and encouragement you can use in your own STEM classroom.

Resources Mentioned

Naomi Meredith’s K-5 STEM Year Long Plan BundleSTEAM T-Shirts that the team is wearing Episode 1 of Elementary STEM Coach Podcast: I’m a new STEM Teacher, what should I focus on?

Head to the show notes for a full transcript of this episode, pictures, and all the links: https://naomimeredith.com/episode217