STEM

Welcome to the STEM classrooms at Paine Elementary!

At Paine Elementary School, we strive to provide meaningful STEM experiences where our students develop a strong foundation in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication. These early experiences help students make real-world connections, build confidence with technology, and develop persistence through hands-on learning and experimentation. Starting STEM early nurtures curiosity and equips students with the mindset and skills they'll need in a rapidly evolving world. Whether they’re programming robots, creating graphs from experiments, or designing water filters from recycled materials, students are engaged in meaningful learning that connects across subjects and fosters a lifelong love of discovery.

Click the + below each grade level to discover what your child will experience throughout their STEM journey!

Kindergarten

Kindergartners explore the foundations of STEM through engaging, hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and builds essential problem-solving skills. They use BeeBots to learn sequencing, directionality, and basic coding concepts, while also participating in Code.org lessons that introduce block-based programming in a fun, accessible way. Through Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons, they begin learning how to stay safe and respectful online. A highlight of the year is becoming "Lace Masters," where students apply algorithmic thinking and unplugged coding activities to learn how to tie their shoes. Additionally, kindergartners engage in simple data collection—such as class surveys or weather tracking—and organize their findings into basic graphs like pictographs and bar charts. They also explore STEM through building challenges using materials like LEGOs, Magnetiles, and Building Blocks and experiment with early science concepts through sensory play and observation.

First Grade

First graders continue developing their STEM skills through engaging, hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. They progress through Code.org, where they’ll tackle more advanced block coding tasks that introduce loops and sequencing. Building on their robotics foundation, students use both BeeBots and VEX 123 robots to deepen their understanding of programming and problem-solving through interactive, challenge-based activities. They participate in engineering design tasks using materials like KEVA planks and craft supplies to build simple machines and structures. First graders also continue their digital safety journey through Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons. As part of their math and science integration, students collect and analyze data—such as measuring objects, recording weather, or graphing survey results—and represent their findings using bar graphs, pictographs, and tally charts. These activities help them begin to make sense of patterns, comparisons, and basic conclusions from their data.

Second Grade

Second graders expand their STEM abilities through project-based learning that emphasizes creativity, logic, and collaboration. In computer science, they continue building coding proficiency using Code.org, where they begin to identify and correct bugs in their programs through debugging activities. They also deepen their experience with robotics by using VEX 123 paired with an online coding platform, allowing them to write and test code in a more structured digital environment. In addition, students work with Ozobots or similar robots to explore color-coded programming and problem-solving challenges. Engineering tasks involve using everyday materials—like recyclables and cardboard—to design and build solutions to real-world problems. For data literacy, students collect, organize, and analyze data digitally, using simple tools like spreadsheets or graphing apps to create bar graphs, pictographs, and charts. These activities help them understand how data can be used to support conclusions. Throughout the year, they also continue learning about ethical technology use and digital safety through Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons.

Third Grade

Third graders deepen their STEM understanding through integrated projects with an emphasis on computational thinking and design. They continue progressing through Code.org, where they begin to explore basic codes and ciphers, use flowcharts to visualize the steps of a program, and test and debug given programs to identify and fix errors. Students also explore the differences between hardware and software, learning to recognize how digital devices function and interact. Robotics take a leap forward with the introduction of VEX GO and Makey Makey, where students begin exploration of robot assembly, circuits, and interactive design. Students also follow the engineering design process to research, design, test, and revise creative solutions to problems. As part of their data literacy, students collect, analyze, and interpret data, then present their findings in the form of digital graphs, tables, or multimedia presentations. They continue building responsible technology habits through Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons that promote respectful communication and internet safety.

Fourth Grade

Fourth graders take on more advanced STEM challenges that emphasize design thinking, system modeling, and algorithmic reasoning. Building on their previous experience, students continue using VEX GO robotics to design, build, and program solutions to real-world problems, while also beginning to explore Hummingbird circuits to create interactive projects that combine lights, sensors, and motion with storytelling or data display. In computer science, students learn to construct basic ciphers, define simple pseudocode, and use flowcharts to plan and explain algorithms. They will write, test, and refine working block-based programs that incorporate loops, conditionals, and events. Students also create simple digital models of systems, such as illustrating how ecosystems or machines work, helping them connect computational thinking with core science content. Their data skills grow through gathering and organizing data using various computing and visualization tools, such as spreadsheets, simulations, and digital graphing applications. Throughout the year, students continue developing responsible digital habits and ethical technology use through Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons.

Fifth Grade

Fifth graders take on leadership roles in STEM by engaging in complex, multi-step projects that integrate coding, engineering, data analysis, and digital systems. Building on their prior knowledge, they construct complex ciphers and write simple pseudocode to plan algorithms before translating them into code. Using block-based programming environments, students create working programs that include conditionals and variables, allowing them to build more dynamic, interactive applications. They extend their use of VEX GO robotics and Hummingbird robotics, designing solutions that integrate mechanical systems, sensors, and outputs in creative ways. In data science, students manipulate data using a variety of computing tools, organize it with spreadsheets or databases, and represent it visually through advanced charts, graphs, and infographics. They also analyze and connect data from simulations to real-life events, such as environmental changes or population shifts, deepening their understanding of cause and effect. Additionally, students begin to identify key components of a network, exploring how devices connect and communicate within digital systems. Responsible technology use remains a priority, with continued Common Sense Digital Citizenship lessons that address digital footprints, media literacy, and online communication.

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