K-8 STEAM

North Lake School’s curriculum has a strong connection to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Our teachers integrate these content areas on a daily basis and make meaningful connections for students. Even our youngest learners, the kindergarteners, are engaged in STEAM activities such as 3D modeling with marshmallows and toothpicks!

Our 3-4 Team introduces students to the power of modularity. Modularity is the idea of making many modules or pieces first, then putting them together to form a bigger, complete system. We also expose our students to abstraction. Abstraction is basically modeling. We begin by taking students through computer-free activities and building up to a drag-n-drop coding/programming computer experience. Students learn how to problem solve using logic and sequencing and create original multi-dimensional games. “Programming Patterns” is the name of the module the 3-4 team uses.

Our Project Lead the Way/Gateway to Technology program continues to grow and we appreciate our business and community sponsorships.

Engineering is Elementary (EiE) is part of our K-6 STEAM curriculum. EiE units have a strong emphasis on the engineering design process (ask, imagine, plan, create & improve) and foster children’s natural curiosity and fascination with building things. The units also include a multicultural story with an engineering problem to be solved.

North Lake School’s STEAM programming is preparing students for opportunities at Arrowhead Union High School. We are helping to close the skills gap and fill the pipeline for manufacturing in our great state of Wisconsin. Learn more here: Arrowhead Design Engineering Manufacturing Center Video

Engineering Is Elementary

EiE Units Currently Taught at NLS:

Grade 3

It’s A Long Way Down: Designing Parachutes
Astronomy & Aerospace
Thinking Inside the Box: Designing Plant Packages
Plants & Package Engineering

Grade 4

Now You’re Cooking: Designing Solar Ovens
Energy and Sustainable Engineering
An Alarming Idea: Designing Alarm Circuits
Electricity & Electrical Engineering

Grade 5

Marvelous Machines: Making Work Easier
Simple Machines & Industrial Engineering

Grade 6

A Stick in the Mud: Evaluating a Landscape
Landforms & Geotechnical Engineering

Project Lead The Way

PLTW Gateway Badge

We are very proud to offer Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programming throughout our school in Kindergarten through 8th grade. PLTW Launch in grades K-5 and Gateway for grades 6-8 provide an engaging, exciting, innovative and cutting-edge curriculum for our students.

What is Project Lead the Way?

Our PLTW trained staff and teacher leaders include:

Curt Kaczor
Ashley Tarkowski
Yancy Byrne
Mike Ray
Maureen Minor
David McConville

Please visit our state of the art MAKER SPACES to learn more.

North Lake School prepares students for successful entry to high school and continued STEM education. We partner with Arrowhead Union High School in our STEM offerings.

Robotics

North Lake School offers Robotics as a Project Lead the Way elective class for 7th and 8th graders. The focus is on mechanisms, robotic construction, and introductory programming.

Robotics Club is offered as an extra curricular activity in grades 5-6. This club provides students with a chance to build and program robots. We use Lego Mindstorms kits and appreciate our parent volunteers. The Robotics Club also has the chance to enter competition.

Design And Modeling

This PLTW class is offered to 7th graders with an interest in math and technology. Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design a playground and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks.

Using Autodesk Inventor design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions.

Students are also able to communicate their results and creations through 3D printing right here at North Lake School!

Computer Science For Innovators And Makers

Computer Science for Innovators and Makers will center on physical computing projects that bring programming out of the virtual environment and into the physical world. Throughout the unit, students will design and develop programmed devices along with the code that brings them to life. These personally relevant, visible, tangible, and shareable creations promote student awareness of interactive systems and broaden their understanding of abstract computer science concepts.