Planting Seeds, Sparking Curiosity: A New Chapter for STEAM at St. Benedict’s

Hello, St. B’s families! My name is Katie Axe, and while I have long been a part of the STEAM program at St. Benedict’s, I am excited to step into a new role this year as the Integrative STEAM Specialist. The beauty of this ever evolving role is that it allows me the flexibility to teach courses in the middle school, in addition to collaborating with teachers on implementing STEAM activities in their own classrooms. This allows STEAM to happen every day! I have already been so impressed by the STEAM activities that spark student creativity and curiosity happening all the time!

When I think about what makes STEAM at St. B’s so special, one story comes to mind. A second grader was working on coding a classroom robot, eager to see if the instructions would make it spin and dance. When the robot moved in the wrong direction, the room erupted in laughter, not frustration. Instead of feeling discouraged, the student leaned back over the iPad, determined to try again. The mistake didn’t stop the momentum; it sparked it. That moment captures the heart of STEAM at St. B’s. Failure isn’t final. It’s fuel. Every time a student discovers a new way to solve a problem, ask a question, or create something unexpected, they’re building resilience that will carry them far beyond the classroom.

At its core, STEAM isn’t about robots, gadgets, or even coding. It’s about cultivating a mindset that blends curiosity with courage. It’s about giving students permission to experiment, to learn through trial and error, and to approach challenges with creativity. In a world where information is at our fingertips, what truly matters is the ability to think critically, solve problems collaboratively, and adapt with confidence. That’s what STEAM at St. B’s is all about.

This year, I am especially excited to collaborate with teachers to expand STEAM integration into more subject areas. Our middle schoolers now have access to a STEAM elective four days a week, and our younger learners are diving into projects that encourage them to experiment, explore, and ask “what if?” What began years ago with a small set of classroom robots has grown into a culture of curiosity, innovation, and resilience. And now, with the help of our teachers, families, and community partners, we’re taking the next steps to ensure that every child at St. B’s sees themselves as a creator, a problem-solver, and a bold thinker.

We believe STEAM education doesn’t end at the classroom door. We’re actively seeking partnerships with families, businesses, and community members to continue building a program that prepares our students for the world they’re growing into. If you’re interested in getting involved, supporting our programs, or sharing your expertise with our students, please fill out our STEAM Community Involvement Form.

Join us on the journey: be sure to check back next month as we highlight how our students are bringing design thinking to life using STEAM. Together, we will continue to plant the seeds of curiosity and watch them grow into confidence, resilience, and joy. You won’t want to miss the creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving on display!