From engineering to CAD to basic circuitry, the students learn about a range of STEAM topics.

CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND) - At Chatham Elementary, regular visits to the STEM classroom with teacher Jaime Goin are a beloved routine. From engineering to CAD to basic circuitry, the students learn about a range of STEAM topics. 

Right now, the third graders are diving into the world of video editing. They are building on skills from previous lessons to build a video project that depicts their ideal playground. 

"My favorite animals are penguins, so I put there was a penguin exhibit, and there was ice cream makers and you could get ice cream whenever you want in any flavor," said third grader Grayson Higby. "And when you get bored, there's a trampoline park, and you can build anything you want, and then it comes to life." 

Students will continue to build on the skills they learn each year. By the time they make it to middle school, they will be working on editing full videos from a green screen. 

K-5 STEAM teacher Jaime Goin says STEAM education has to be a priority for students to be well-rounded. 

"We use that word grit a lot," Goin said. "We all know that students need to be pushed, and being uncomfortable is not a bad thing. Being uncomfortable helps us grow." 

Goin is confident that the students who complete a full STEAM program through a district like Ball-Chatham will have a higher level of educational success in high school and college. That's because they are developing a unique skill set that goes beyond just STEAM. 

"Every student gets to have STEAM, which is a giant success," Goin said. "We are shaping minds in a totally different way ... They are learning for the jobs of the future and becoming aggressive thinkers and creators." 

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