What is STEM? Texas STEM Education Definition

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is a method of hands-on teaching and learning where students learn to apply academic content by creatively solving real-world problems with innovative design-based thinking to prepare students for future career opportunities.

The 2024-25 school year is the first year of our new campus, Candlewood STEM Academy for PK-1st grade students. It is our goal that the Candlewood STEM Academy will allow our students with diverse backgrounds to gain skills needed to acquire STEM jobs and develop problem solving skills. Our mission is to have a PK-5 ecology-based elementary school that provides all students with a safe and supportive community as well as opportunities for real, world, hands-on learning and challenging, grade-level tasks which will prepare them for rigorous STEM pathways in secondary school and beyond.

Our Instructional Vision and Beliefs

Relevance in the real world

Hands-on learning
Application to Real-World
Engineering Design Process

Balance of direct instruction & inquiry

Direct instruction for more efficient, structured learning
Inquiry for deeper, conceptual learning.
Introducing concepts through direct instruction: Then, allowing students to explore the concept further through inquiry

Equitable Access to Grade Level Tasks

Writing Across Content
Thoughtful Conversations
Progress Monitoring