A combination engineering lab, computer studio and scientists workshop, Barrie Montessori’s new innovation STEAM center facilitates opportunities for students to discover, tinker, produce, solve, design, invent, and experiment.
Technology & Innovation
STEAM @ Barrie
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math
At Barrie, the creative, innovative, and intelligent use of technology is critically important. By blending the best elements of traditional teaching and student/teacher relationships with the inventive nature of digital learning, our students are being prepared for the future.
Unlimited Opportunity
At Barrie, students of all ages apply and extend their technology skills through individual interests, AP Computer Programming, Robotics, Makerspace, and Barrie TV, an elective class that enables students to design, create, and execute various media projects on campus.
First Grader Anthony sharing his love of Coding with Barrie Head of School Jon Kidder. Anthony clearly articulated his proposal for bringing a Coding Club to Barrie in the near future. Anthony recommended the Coding Club be offered as an Extended Day option. Anthony began his involvement with Coding at the age of three, and suggested to Extended Day Director Dan Hayden that the program be offered to students age 3 through High School.
Signature STEAM courses are well underway. These courses enhance Barrie's program in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics:
Integrating Technology
Technology is thoughtfully integrated into the educational experience in ways that inspire and encourage our students. Grade-level appropriate digital tools provide students and faculty with technology that supports the curriculum. Instructor led computer classes give students an opportunity to pursue specific interests and deepen learning.
Barrie Prep uses the Power School Learning management system (formally Haiku) to connect students and parents to each classroom. Teachers use Power School Learning to share course information and publish tools, resources, and contact details.
Applying Technology
At Barrie, students use technology as an everyday part of 21st century learning.
- 1:1 Technology Initiative - All students in grades 6-12 receive school-issued Chromebooks as an integral part of their Barrie experience. Lower and Upper Elementary students (grades 4-5) receive classroom sets of iPads and Chromebooks.
- Makerspace and STEAM Curriculum - In Fall 2018, all Kindergarten through 5th grade Montessori students will engage in a scope and sequence of curriculum ranging from learning coding to building electrical circuits to engineering Lego robots. This signature program at Barrie will empower our students to develop an important set of skills to think scientifically, experiment thoughtfully, and develop entrepreneurial solutions.