Katie Denny, STEM Teacher at Thunder Valley K-8, combines literacy with STEM to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences. In Denny’s classroom, each design thinking challenge starts with a story. Students read a book that sets the stage for a STEM project, connecting the characters’ experience to hands-on problem-solving tasks. The goal is to create empathy, enhance vocabulary, and for students to use these skills to tackle real-world challenges through design and creativity.

“It’s been really helpful to connect with other STEM teachers across the district,” said Denny. “That’s where I got the idea to bring literacy into STEM. It’s exciting to see how the two subjects complement each other.”

Each grade level works on different book challenges. For example, kindergarteners read Little Bo Peep then designed fences to keep the sheep safe. First graders learned about growth mindset by drawing bats after reading Stellaluna. Second graders crafted and tested paper airplanes inspired by The Great Paper Caper. Third graders designed dream treehouses after reading I Want a New Room, while fourth graders built bridges out of popsicle sticks and straws after they read Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge.

For Denny, connecting stories with STEM is all about encouraging students to think critically and creatively. She aims for them to see how design impacts the world around them. “As students build their designs, they begin to understand why things work the way they do,” she explained.

Students progress through the design thinking process for each project, starting with empathy to understand the character and their challenges, then defining the problem, brainstorming solutions, creating prototypes, and testing their ideas. Along the way, they learn to collaborate, think critically, and solve problems. “They get so excited every time they walk in,” said Denny. “If I forgot to tell them which part of STEM we’re focusing on, they ask, ‘Which hat are we putting on today?’ Their excitement is incredible.”

The STEM projects connect with what students are learning in their other classes. Recently, fourth graders were studying the Wright Brothers. When she introduced a paper airplane challenge, they quickly linked the book What Do You Do With a Chance? To their classroom studies. “They couldn’t wait to share what they had learned,” she recalled. “It was amazing to see them so engaged.”

Denny’s hands-on approach is rooted in her own experiences. “Hands-on activities had such a big impact on me. Whether it was in school, on the basketball court, or working on the family farm, I see the same excitement in my students when they are working on their STEM projects,” she said. “We all learn differently, and I want my students to know it’s okay to make mistakes. Each time they do, they’re growing.”

Her advice to other educators is to embrace flexibility and creativity. STEM teachers have a unique opportunity to blend various disciplines, allowing students to thrive. When given the chance, students consistently rise to the challenge, showing remarkable creativity and enthusiasm.

Denny hopes her students will carry these lessons beyond the classroom. “I want them to explore, think outside the box, and embrace creativity in everything they do,” she said. “Most importantly, I want them to understand that learning is a journey – it’s not about getting it right every time, but about growing and enjoying the process.”

On Tuesday, October 8, Mountain View Elementary students enjoyed a performance of Coyote & The Counting Game by the Creede Repertory Theater as part of their Annual Young Audience Outreach Tour. The play follows eight-year-old Gaby, who is struggling with math, her brother leaving for college, and her dream of owning a drum set. With the help of a mischievous coyote, she learns valuable lessons through a fun mix of fractions, rock ‘n’ roll, and moral dilemmas.

The school’s gymnasium was transformed into a stage for K-4 students to enjoy. The actors of Creede Repertory Theater brought a portable, adjustable set that provided new scenery throughout the performance, complete with quick costume changes that added excitement to the show. To build on the event, teachers were provided with a study guide featuring interactive activities and discussion prompts that explore the play’s key themes.

The event was funded through Mountain View’s partnership with Firehouse Art Center in Longmont, which supports creative learning opportunities and inspires cultural engagement for students. fostering a love for the arts.

“Bringing a live theater event into our school creates a powerful learning experience for students,” shared Principal Jennifer Piccone. “Opportunities like this spark creativity and connect classroom learning to the arts. We’re grateful to the Firehouse Art Center and Creede Repertory Theater for bringing this event to our students.”

Legacy Elementary School has recently opened its new science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) Lab offering students hands-on opportunities to enhance their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Led by STEM and Literacy Teacher Lisa Mercier, the lab is open to all grade levels, with students attending once a week and engaging in hands-on learning and creative problem-solving.

From kindergarten to fifth grade, students are diving into creative projects that encourage both individual expression and collaborative learning. Fifth graders, for instance, are participating in a “One Word” project using Keynote, a presentation app that allows them to illustrate meaningful words that reflect their identities. First graders recently completed a design challenge inspired by the children’s book Stellaluna, constructing homes for the characters by combining literacy with hands-on engineering.

At the core of the STEAM Lab is the design thinking process, a problem-solving approach that encourages creativity and innovation by helping students develop empathy, define problems, ideate solutions, create prototypes, and test their creations. “Students develop critical and creative thinking skills through this process, which can be applied across any subject area,” said Mercier. “STEAM provides students with new ways to express themselves, allowing them to discover their strengths and thrive in different learning environments.”

In addition to the projects, the STEAM Lab aligns with Legacy’s broader educational goals by encouraging cross-curricular learning. Mercier believes that when students connect ideas across different subjects, it enhances their understanding and equips them better for real-world challenges.

What sets Legacy’s STEAM Lab apart is its dedicated space for innovation, creativity and exploration. Mercier hopes that this environment will inspire students to feel excited about building, experimenting, and learning in new ways. “This is a space where students can really dive into their projects, express themselves and approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.”