Paideia Academy’s Agri-Steam Program
Paideia Academy has partnered with Arizona State University to enrich our extended day and leadership club learning program! The purpose of the AgriSTEAM program is to provide opportunities for whole-child development through purposeful project-based activities and learning. The emphasis is for scholars to initiate learning in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) with the guidance of adult leaders. The emphasis for the adult leaders is on the growth of the scholar rather than simply the products made for the project.
Learning By Doing
Through the Paideia AgriSTEAM program, scholars learn valuable skills and new ideas by following the “learn-by-doing” ideology.
The “learn-by-doing” approach allows scholars to experience something with minimal guidance from their adult leader. Instead of being told “the answers,” they are presented with a question, problem, situation or activity and then encouraged to find answers for themselves.
Activities using this model help young scholars learn valuable skills and understand how to apply what they are learning to their everyday life.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience and is more specifically defined as “learning through reflection on doing.” Experiential learning is distinct from rote or didactic learning, in which the learner plays less of an active role. In the Paideia AgriSTEAM program, scholars are presented with a variety of discovery topics based in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). Each topic may last from 2 to 6 weeks culminating with a project demonstration.
Paideia AgriSTEAM Urban Farm Project
The Paideia AgriSTEAM Urban Farm Project is supported through an ASU research project titled “GreenSTEAM Studios.” This project integrates the Urban Farm project into Paideia’s curriculum so that every scholar has access to Urban Farm learning activities. Scholars in all grades can participate in this fun, engaging, and highly educational program.
Paideia Academy’s mission is to develop the whole child – body, mind, heart spirit – which includes healthy living and the care of the earth. This unique learning and leadership project infuses Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) in the agriculture of the Urban Farm project.
Through the AgriSTEAM Urban Farm Project, scholars learn urban farming skills including managing and tending to vegetable gardens, flower gardens, herb gardens, fruit orchards, hens, and aquaponics. Beyond the obvious learning of managing our earth and gaining healthy eating habits, scholars enjoy increased levels of confidence and appreciation as they learn to care for something with their own hands. At the same time, they’re also gaining leadership and entrepreneurial skills by making available the produce and eggs during a regular farmer’s market for monetary donations.
Scholars in all grades are eligible to participate in Paideia’s AgriSTEAM Urban Farm Project.
Want to help? Following are our present and ongoing needs:
Farming supplies and equipment – shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, etc.
Volunteer time from parents, guardians, and community members.
Cash donations to assist with infrastructure and operational costs. Please note: Your Urban Farm Project cash donation may qualify as an ECA Tax Credit.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide to the Paideia Urban Farm Team.