Yavneh’s JSTEAM K-8 program integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math (STEAM) and Judaism. We believe in meeting students where they are, utilizing various strategies to make learning relevant to each individual (“Educate a child according to their way…”. Proverbs 22:6).
We strive to make sure that students find connections between JSTEAM learning and daily life, as relevance brings meaning. Students should know that everyone can learn and love science, technology, and engineering and that Judaism can be a part of all learning and an integral part of their identities.
During the course of the year each class participates in different JSTEAM projects. Right now Kitah Bet is learning about Noah’s Ark but with “engineering glasses”. Parashat Noah describes exactly how the ark should look from inside and out, its measurements, the precise materials for its construction, where the entrance should be, and where the light needs to come from. Students then learn about cross-section blueprints, and each student draws one of Noah’s ark making sure that all the requirements are met. In teams, students put together one final blueprint per group taking into account each team member’s blueprint. Then they build the arks. Every year we do this project, and every time I am positively surprised about the impacts it creates in the students.
I’d like to share some quotes that show some of the learning reflections this particular project triggers in the students; “Morah Vanina, this is really a tough project, but I am so enjoying it!”. “Who was part of Noah’s family? Did they help him build the ark?” “The pantry, the food storage should be close to the humans but far from the animals.” “In the Torah, it doesn’t say how each of the three floors were connected, so we will add ropes and a pulley system.”
Enjoy some of the pictures of Kitah Bet students beginning to build their arks;
