Makerspaces at Drew

Drew has traditionally maintained an interest in closing the technology and opportunity gaps, and the STEAM theme provides an excellent framework for the school to focus on innovation, creativity, collaboration and interdisciplinary studies. In the past 5 years, the school has made tremendous investments in STEAM including hiring specialized teaching staff, securing technology and equipment to sup

port STEAM subjects, and designing spaces to facilitate STEAM learning. Currently, STEAM is most directly integrated in enrichment/elective courses and during school-wide events, rather than intentionally articulated in all subjects and grades on a daily basis. In thinking about the next iteration of STEAM learning at Drew, it is clear that the work ahead is largely centered on bringing STEAM practices into the core academic subjects during the school day. Teachers are currently hard at work designing and redesigning existing curriculum to more fully integrate STEAM subject matter into daily Project Based Learning tasks. Teachers are also engaging in Professional Development to better understand current real world practices in the STEAM fields. Drew has received two grants—one from the Goizueta Foundation and the other from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement to help fund our innovative work around STEAM.