By GARETT VALCOURT
gvalcourt@kentsmith.biz
In a unanimous decision during their meeting on Tuesday, May 14, the Holmes District School Board approved the purchase of educational tools aimed at bolstering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) learning across K-8 classrooms.
The Board’s approval covers the procurement of four STEAM Classroom Kits, additional STEAM Plus Kits, and eight maker kits, totaling $24,884.
These kits are designed to integrate computational thinking and computer science skills with practical, hands-on learning opportunities. They are part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality of education in STEM fields by introducing students to a multidisciplinary approach that includes the arts.
Complementing the physical kits, the board also approved licenses for all K-8 students and teachers in the district to access the SAM Studio application and its accompanying guides. This digital platform supports the physical components of the kits and offers structured pathways for educators to guide students through complex concepts in a manageable and engaging way.
The introduction of these STEAM kits into classrooms is expected to keep student engagement high by providing hands-on learning experiences. These kits not only introduce students to coding and computer science in an accessible manner but also aim to solidify mastery of these concepts through diverse learning modalities.
Furthermore, the kits are designed to help students develop crucial skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, while providing clear assessment tools to aid in measuring student success.
Hannah Collins 
Jim Saunders 