Canyon Elementary celebrates legacy of hands-on education

CATALDO — While it may be a surprise to many that a school as small as Canyon Elementary School would be at the forefront of technology, it’s not surprising why Idaho Gov. Brad Little would be supportive of their efforts. 

"The importance of STEM education in today's technology- and knowledge-based economy cannot be overstated," Little said. "From logging to computer science, mining to health care, or teaching to business, the skills that STEM education fosters will propel Idaho students into high-paying, meaningful careers."

Little made a proclamation earlier this month deeming that March is STEM Matters Month across the Gem State. Still, for the elementary school in Cataldo, that proclamation is more of an affirmation of its everyday education.

Science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM schools are educational institutions focusing on different types of hands-on learning that challenge students in the four subjects. 

CES classifies itself as a science-magnet school, so while it’s not technically a STEM school, it emphasizes many of the aspects of STEM core values.

CES is a K-5 school located 15 miles west of Kellogg, sits alongside Interstate 90 and specifically served the district’s more rural communities, including Cataldo, Rose Lake, Medimont and the surrounding areas, for several decades. But recently, the district has opened enrollment to allow more children access to the specialized science-based curriculum.

Because of the school’s proclivity to include so much STEM education in its daily curriculum, open spaces are few.

Principal Jenny Ferreira is pleased that people see the value in what her school has to offer.

“STEM education is so important for elementary students. It gives them an opportunity to be curious, ask questions and make discoveries,” she said. “Early exposure to hands-on science and STEM activities helps students develop a love of science and the world around them.” 

Ferreira said they are always looking for ways to incorporate hands-on science activities into the curriculum. 

“One fun way that we do this is by holding our Science Friday events. These are Fridays throughout the school year where we have different hands-on science stations that kids participate in," she said.

Ferreira also welcomes volunteers.

“We embrace the opportunity to involve individuals who can bring real-world, science-based insights to our students,” she said. 

The level of real-world science experience available in the Silver Valley is far more vast than anyone could imagine, and oftentimes, digging into the science allows for other subjects, including local history, to come into play. 

Just this school year, Ferreira has had scientists from Silver Valley Analytical Labs, retired Wallace High School science teacher Nick Hoffman, Steve Dahl from Idaho-based company Computer Zen, and Spokane’s Radical Rick as special guests.

Dahl, who was at CES earlier this month, operates a nonprofit called STEAM World — the “A” incorporating Arts into the more traditional STEM — and through this he offers presentations on technological advancements and how they can be applied in the real world. 

The students also got to experience a new invention, the Makey Makey. 

“This innovative device transforms ordinary objects into touchpads using alligator clips and a Chromebook,” Ferreira explained. “Students explored the capabilities of Makey Makey, connecting it to various conductive objects such as themselves, Play-Doh, graphite pencil lead and more."

Dahl also introduced the students to a robot that he has developed that uses artificial intelligence to adapt to its surroundings. 

“The interactive session not only exposed students to cutting-edge technologies but also sparked curiosity and enthusiasm for the limitless possibilities within the realm of STEM,” Ferreira said. 

    Retired high school science teacher Nick Hoffman explains to students about chlorophyll and why leaves change color in the fall.