After successfully running the STEM Marin Engineering and STEM Marin Biotechnology pathways for ten years, a new STEM pathway will be available for freshmen to join next year: STEM Marin STEAM. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. This new path will be piloted next year with a group of 30 freshmen. Instead of taking two science electives each year like the other STEM pathways, these students will take one science course and a corresponding art course each year.
STEM Engineering lead Nick Williams believes that STEAM will fit in well with the core values of STEM Marin.
“It’s the same principles of learning; the same emphasis on collaboration, communication, critical thinking, science processes, and work based learning; just instead of having an Engineering or Biotech class, there will be an art class,” Williams said.
Principal Jennifer Larson thinks STEAM will be a great opportunity for students interested in both science and art.
“There are a lot of students who are interested in being in our STEM pathways, but also are really passionate about the arts,” Larson said.
Sophomore Sylvia Tuerke wishes this pathway had been an option for her because she is very passionate about both art and science.
“I definitely would’ve taken STEAM over Biotech because I really enjoy being creative while also learning,” Tuerke said. “I like Biotech a lot as it is, but I think adding art to it would make it a lot more fun.”
“I like Biotech a lot as it is, but I think adding art to it would make it a lot more fun.”
– Sylvia Tuerke
Sophomore
By being in Biotech and also taking art electives, Tuerke had to take eight classes her freshman year and seven her sophomore year in order to fit them into her schedule. STEAM should fix these scheduling issues for art-focused students, and make it easier for them to indulge in their passions while also pursuing a scientific career.
The new art classes will be taught by art teacher and STEAM lead Liz Lloyd and will include Biological Illustration, Art Mechanics, and Reactive Arts. Lloyd is very excited about the new possibilities with this program.
“The new pathway pilot is very exciting because of its potential to connect students’ personal interests and passions to their academics,” Lloyd said. “It’s a chance to explore the natural world while also honing your artistic abilities.”
This new pilot pathway comes as more freshmen than ever are applying to be in the STEM Marin program.
“We’ve expanded our Engineering and Biotech pathways to capacity, so we would love to accommodate more students with STEAM,” Larson said.
Depending on the success of next year’s pilot, STEAM may include performing art electives in the future.
