STEAM learning is at the heart of Franklin Elementary student-centered instructional model. Steam stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
A STEAM education provides opportunities for students to engage in daily experiences that improve their knowledge of science, math, engineering and art that drives innovation. The philosophy behind STEAM is that subjects cannot – and should not – be taught in isolation, just as they do not exist in isolation in the real world. Through STEAM learning, students develop critical thinking skills that allow them engage in exploration to answer questions about the world around them and thrive in our 21st Century economy.
Franklin Elementary STEAM Program
In 2013, San Diego Unified School District was awarded a federal grant by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program to promote STEAM education in four elementary schools, including Franklin Elementary.
From 2013 – 2016, the grant provided critical funds to implement high-quality STEAM learning. Moving forward, Friends of Franklin Elementary School Foundation are committed to securing the supplemental funding required to support the school’s commitment to STEAM.
As a STEAM Magnet School, the focus is hands-on, minds-on, inquiry-based learning with students engaged in daily exploration, problem solving, and critical thinking. At Franklin, students learn to work collaboratively and diversity is embraced. Core subjects are taught using the design thinking process and classrooms are alive with students engaged in speaking and listening, reading, writing, computing, designing, and experimenting.