MISSION:
The STEM Academy at DCOC educates students through STEM based curriculum that will enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills while fostering a love of knowledge and learning. We believe that science and the Bible do not conflict; but rather see how we can learn about God through scientific concepts. Exploring science and its connection to the Bible and its stories will allow students to see that God is the creator of all.
| Arrival & Morning STEM Activity
Students ease into the day with a choice of engaging STEM Bins or STEM Sensory activities. These hands-on experiences build foundational STEM skills, spark creativity, and encourage problem-solving.
| Focus Wall (Pledge & Weekly STEM Focus)
Students gather to recite the Pledge and review foundational concepts like letters, numbers, weather, and the calendar. The weekly STEM theme is introduced, connecting science principles to biblical truths and God’s creation.
| Snack & Restroom Break
A quick refuel and refresh to prepare for the active learning ahead.
| Rotating STEM Experience
Monday – STEM Garden Time
Hands-on science discovery using the church garden. Students explore topics like plant life cycles, composting, insects, soil, and how weather impacts the natural world. All through interactive experiences.
Students engage in gross motor STEM challenges using equipment such as foam building blocks, balance scooters, scooter boards, balancing stones, and sensory floor tiles. These activities help develop physical coordination while exploring core STEM concepts like balance, motion, and structure.
Special guest scientists (staff, volunteers, or community members) visit the classroom to introduce a science topic related to the weekly theme. Through engaging experiments and storytelling, students see STEM in action and connect scientific principles to hands-on learning.
| STEM Lesson (45 minutes)
Students engage in a focused STEM lesson that incorporates biblical concepts. Learning is reinforced through experiments, games, crafts, and hands-on exploration.
| Outside Break
Free play outdoors encourages gross motor development and gives students time to observe nature and engage in unstructured physical activity.
| Lunch Break
A time to enjoy lunch together and recharge for the afternoon.
| STEM Lesson (30 minutes)
A shorter STEM lesson builds on the morning’s topic through hands-on activities.
| Dismissal
Students prepare for pickup, review the day’s learning, and gather their belongings.
Ages Served: 3-6 years old
HOURS/DAYS OF OPERATION:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
An academic calendar for the year will be distributed and available at the beginning of the Academy’s year. It will follow local ISD calendars closely but not completely.
FEES & PRICING:
Students must enroll in all three days of the academy. Pricing per student. CASH/CHECK only.
$30: One-time admissions form fee (cash only)
$100: One-time supply fee due in August.
$250: due the first day of the month (Aug.-May)
CONTACT:
Kristin Hahn
Director over Educational Programs
kristin@decaturchurchofchrist.com
Kristan Berkovsky
Assistant Director over Educational Programs
