STEAM in Action: Country School Kindergarten Celebrates Eric Carle Explosion

Students in the Kindergarten class at The Country School recently performed a dynamic “Eric Carle Explosion” for parents and other invited guests. The performance was the culmination of several weeks of activities that incorporated science, technology, engineering, art, and math – or STEAM – at all levels.

Students began their exploration with teachers Mallory Botta and Kate Treat, reading books by and discussing the popular children's book author and illustrator, Eric Carle. They then took their exploration further through collaborations with two artist parents - Stephanie Engstrom, an art educator who works in area magnet schools, and Rachel Berwick, who heads the Glass Department at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Working with "Miss Stephanie" and "Miss Rachel," Kindergartners created a sculptural turtle shell using papier mache and hand-made paper. They explored colors and color theory, learned about paper making and its history, and discussed set and costume design, activities which took place both in the Clark House and in science classes with science teacher Stephanie Johnson.

Students created dragon flies that were strung together to create a mobile, an undertaking which gave "Miss Stephanie" an opportunity to discuss the sculptor Alexander Calder and his kinetic works and mobiles. 

Students also painted the backdrop for the stage and learned about color applications (layering, subtracting/adding, texture and color variation). In music class, students rehearsed and then performed songs and skits created by music teacher Vicki Wepler. 

It all came together with a wonderful, colorful explosion of Eric Carle and an equally wonderful demonstration of STEAM in action. Students made connections between literature, science, technology, art history, math, and engineering in the following ways:

In Science they:

• observed fireflies through drawings and sculptures
• experimented with color theory
• recycled paper and used hand-made pulp for the turtle
• learned about equilibrium balance with an Alexander Calder-inspired mobile

In Technology, they:

• used iPads to visit Alexander Calder’s moving kinetic art works
• used computers and iPads to view Eric Carle stories

In Engineering, they:

• designed and created their own fireflies
• helped construct the recycled paper turtle

In the Arts, they:

• read and learned about author Eric Carle
• experienced the process of using words on a page to create a performance with music
• explored set and costume design
• enhanced their public speaking skills through rehearsal and performance

In Math, they:

• experimented with patterning
• practiced counting
• engaged in pattern and repetition beats in the music

Following the performance, students and their guests were treated to a special Eric Carle-themed pancake breakfast, a delicious culmination to weeks of exciting, collaborative work. 

Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational independent school serving students ages 3-14 on its 23-acre campus. At TCS, the traditional academic disciplines are balanced by rich offerings in the arts, service learning, outdoor education, and athletics. The Country School is committed to advancing 21st century skills, including STEAM, design thinking, and global awareness.