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At Westlake Hills Elementary, we take pride in the numerous STEAM activities offered throughout the year.
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING
In addition to the core science curriculum, WHE students have unique opportunities to get hands-on experience with science, technology and engineering.
Innovation Lab
WHE is committed to helping students navigate and take advantage of cutting-edge technology. The Innovation Lab has green screen capabilities, 3D printers, and much more! Beginning in TK, children attend weekly classes in the Innovation Lab led by our technology instructor, classroom teacher and parent volunteers. Grade-appropriate lessons introduce children to a variety of topics, such as learning about the components of a laptop, typing, healthy tech habits, and even AI.
Treehouse Design
Ever dreamed you had your very own treehouse? Children are encouraged to let their imagination run wild as they design their very own treehouse including what special items they would store inside. Fourth grade students learn to use a 3D design software called Tinkercad, and bring their imagination to life with a 3D treehouse.
Car Design
Wrapping up 4th grade, each student brainstorms, researches, gathers materials from home and school, and builds a model car. Students are also given the opportunity to recreate their physical car in Tinkercad and have a model printed using the Innovation Lab’s 3D printers.
Invention Convention
Each fall, 5th grade students invent a product they think will make life easier. After learning about how to secure a patent, write a business plan and create an advertisement, students then build a prototype of their invention and present it to students and parents.
Bridge Building
Working in teams, 5th grade students commence their time at WHE through a bridge building project where they use various bridge design elements to see which team can build the sturdiest bridge. Using weights, they then observe which team’s bridge can hold the most weight before it crumbles under the pressure.
ART
Art Class
Through biweekly art classes, students are introduced to design principals and art techniques. Guided by our fantastic art instructor, classroom teacher and parent volunteers, students utilize a variety of mediums such as acrylic paint, oil pastels, watercolors, and chalk pastels. In each art class, students learn how to emulate the techniques of the great masters. At the end of the academic year, students leave with a portfolio of artwork to share with their family.
Art Show
Each spring, students select one piece from their art portfolio to display at our school-wide evening Art Show. Family and friends walk through over 300 pieces of art while admiring the range of talent from TK through 5th grade. In addition to their selected piece, the entire 5th grade class has a group display exhibition that is a focal point of the show.
Yearbook Cover Contest
Fifth grade students participate in a yearbook design contest that incorporates the school theme into their drawing. Voted on by teachers and staff, the winning yearbook cover is announced during a school assembly in January with the yearbooks distributed in June.
MATHEMATICS
Noetic Learning Math Contest
All students in grades 3-5 are invited to participate in the Noetic Learning Math Contest. Students who opt in prepare with teachers and staff for this national contest, all during school hours. This now highly anticipated program continues to gain popularity each year with over 40 children participating.