STEAM Education

Carver after-school and summer programs provide STEAM education projects that are self-guided exploration and supplemental programming to build skills, confidence, and ongoing interest. For educators, the challenge is finding new ways to drive interest, engagement, and immersion into STEAM topics. Our certified teachers deliver Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics programming through small group instruction using strategies consistent with Connecticut’s Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the state’s Science Technology Education and Arts Curriculum Frameworks.

Science

Partnering organizations and professionals offer additional instruction and support. For example, the Maritime Aquarium provides one-hour hands-on classes and a tour of the Maritime Aquarium. Sessions include squid dissection, exploring the habitat of the Long Island Sound, global warming, learning about seals, and more. Maritime Aquarium educators travel to each school site with various live animals. Other program partners and professional volunteers through the years, including Mad Science and the Norwalk Seaport Association (Sheffield Island Ecology program), have offered sessions in Robotics, Forensics; Astronomy – NASA Afterschool Universe; Try Science; Careers in Science (experiments and labs); and CHEM C3000. 

Technology

Technology activities include Code Breakers (the basics of coding languages like HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of Web projects and design challenges each session); Mobile App Design and how the world of app publishing functions; Video Game and Virtual Reality (VR) Experience (advanced-level editing, simple 3-D modeling, intermediate event scripting, and the impact of gameplay on user experience); and Artificial Intelligence.

Engineering

Activities include FIRST-Lego League (robotics competitions); building Electric Air-Powered Boats, Mousetrap-Powered Vehicles, Roller Coasters, and Truss Bridges.

Arts

Carver treats art as an applied subject, just like math and science. Morris Pleasure implemented one program, Carver's 2014 Child of America honoree. Carver alumnus Kenneth Shuler, who today is a Carver board member, worked with our students to produce this music video. We produced this concert that helped Carver win 8th place on Fairfield County's Giving Day. This front-page story in The Hour described all that went into making this event a success.

Other activities include a Fashion Design Program (facilitated by the Beyond Kids Foundation, including learning sewing and pattern making); Teen Talent Workshops (voice and dance) culminating in performances for families; Improvisation; and Norwalk Symphony Orchestra programs.

Math

Math programs focus on one-on-one and small group activities consistent with CCSS for Mathematics and/or the Connecticut Core Science Curriculum Framework. Math activities include Go Math, TimezAttack, Financial Literacy, Geometry, Creating a Checkbook, Algebra, Tables, Charts, Graphs, and Math trivia competitions. Khan Academy and other digital personalized learning tools are utilized.