Technology

These days, technology changes in the blink of an eye! How can we prepare kids to use devices and programs that don’t exist yet? Is it even possible?

It absolutely is! Being “Future Ready” is not only about becoming familiar with “advanced” hardware or software—it is also about cultivating creative thinking, gaining solid foundations in technological basics, keeping an open mind, and learning to have a positive mindset about trying. For all grade levels, Bethany’s STEAM rotation works to ready students for the future by giving them a chance to productively struggle in: 

1) Art, Science, and Math

The base of the word “technology” comes from the Greek word tekhnē meaning “art,” “craft,” or “weaving.” In a very real sense, there can be no technology without art!  And so, for the first half of the year, classes meet in the Art Studio, where they engage in a variety of grade-specific projects designed to inspire, inform, and contextualize the myriad ways that art has influenced our world. From astronomy to somesthesis, viscosity to knot theory, pointillism to expressionism and everything in between, the Art Studio is a place to explore, observe, and celebrate the scientific and the beautiful! 

2) Technology and Engineering 

Catapults and paddleboats and aircrafts– oh my! Not long after winter break, we leave the Art Studio for the Tech Lab. With that move, our focus shifts to an eclectic mix of hands-on problem-solving opportunities, allowing students to work extensively with the Engineer Design Process. Over the years, they’ll be challenged by such tasks as building earthquake-resistant towers, crafting buzzing toys, making keyboards out of cutlery, and decoding the ciphers and puzzles that comprise our end-of-the-year ARG. Our Tech Lab is also where the robots lie in wait, ready to be directed by our enthusiastic student coders! 

3) Digital Citizenship

Five classes are set aside each year to delve into the inexpressibly important issues surrounding digital citizenship. At Bethany, the backbone of our curriculum comes from Common Sense Education, but is heavily supplemented by teacher-created activities, games, and presentations. For more information about any individual digital citizenship lesson, please feel free to contact Melissa Regan.