What STEM means at Edgewood Elementary
At Edgewood Elementary School, STEM learning supports our shared commitment with Anderson Community Schools to inspire, encourage, and support every student in achieving at high levels academically, socially, and as responsible citizens. STEM at Edgewood is designed to nurture curiosity, character, and confidence while helping students discover their potential as lifelong learners.
Our STEM direction emphasizes balanced, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that address the whole child. Through hands-on exploration and inquiry-based instruction, students engage in meaningful problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. These experiences help students make connections between academic learning and the world around them while developing perseverance, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Edgewood Elementary values a moral and academic learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and challenged. STEM learning reinforces ethical decision-making, respect for others, and a growth mindset as students learn to work together, communicate ideas, and learn from both success and challenge. Innovation is embraced as a tool for learning, reflection, and continuous improvement.
Students at Edgewood are encouraged to take ownership of their learning and to see themselves as capable thinkers and problem solvers. STEM experiences promote adaptability and lifelong learning by helping students ask thoughtful questions, explore multiple solutions, and reflect on their growth. These skills prepare students for future academic success while supporting personal development.
By fostering curiosity, balance, and a love of learning, Edgewood Elementary School’s STEM direction prepares students to continue their educational journey with confidence and purpose. Students leave Edgewood ready to grow, contribute, and succeed, equipped with the academic skills, character, and mindset needed to thrive in school and in life.
What makes our STEM program stand out
STEM Implementation K-12-to-Career
STEM is a pillar to the WD approach to education and preparing students as functioning members of the community by being exposed to the increasingly technology driven world. Between the three STEM labs, every student is exposed to the career opportunities available with STEM.
STEM Promotion
STEM Day and other events throughout the year expose students on what is to come as
their educational journey in the building continues. Elementary students are exposed to
opportunities at the high school, and high school students are exposed to industry
employers looking for talent or mentorship opportunities.
Diversified Options for all Secondary Ed Students, College and Workforce Bound
WD hosts several different NLPS pathways that allow students to explore their interests in
engineering, digital media, cybersecurity, information technology, business operations, and more. There is not another school of this size offering such a vast array of career exploration
opportunities.
Vex Go Robotics
Edgewood Elementary participates in the Anderson Community Schools VEX GO competitive robotics league, in which the robotics team meets regularly after school to build, redesign, modify, drive, and program a VEX GO robot through a series of timed challenges to score points. The top competitors from each school progress to a district-wide VEX GO tournament in the spring, where they compete for prizes and trophies.
Engineering Design Process
Students at Edgewood Elementary receive regular hands-on STEM education in the form of design projects and challenges. Modeled around the research-based 5E model of STEM education, students investigate a phenomenon, design a solution, test their solution, and iterate their solution design based on results and feedback. In addition to providing solid context for understanding of scientific concepts, these projects help reinforce the Engineering Design Process in our students.
Project Lead The Way Pathways – Exploring Strengths, Skills, and Future Careers
Anderson High School offers a robust sequence of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) courses that allow students to explore career interests, develop practical skills, and discover their strengths as they prepare for life after graduation. Students can choose from PLTW Principles of Biomedical Sciences, PLTW Principles of Engineering, PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design, PLTW Aerospace Engineering, and PLTW Principles of Human Body Systems, each providing hands-on learning connected to real STEM careers.
Across these courses, students engage in authentic, industry-aligned experiences: designing and testing prototypes, conducting biomedical investigations, modeling in 3D design software, analyzing complex systems, problem-solving as engineering teams, and applying the Engineering Design Process to real-world challenges. Each course includes resume-ready technical skills such as CAD modeling, biomedical diagnostics, aerospace system analysis, circuitry, data analysis, and scientific communication, skills used by STEM professionals every day.
Our Current STEM Focus
Edgewood Elementary School is part of Anderson Community Schools in Anderson, Indiana. The school serves around 455 students in grades K through 4, fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Edgewood Elementary is committed to building strong academic foundations, promoting positive relationships, and encouraging lifelong learning.
