STEAM Lab on Campus

Escondido, CA

Grant Amount

$4,930

Year Awarded

2025-2026

Project Coordinator

Catarina Hernandez

Grant Type

Individual

Local Association

Escondido Elementary Education Association

Focus Area

Science Technology Engineering, and Math

About the Project

The “STEAM Lab on Campus” project will create a hands-on, exploratory learning space at Hidden Valley Middle School where students can engage in coding, 3D design, engineering, and problem-solving. Through projects like building cardboard arcades, designing prosthetics with 3D pens, and simulating a mission to Mars, students will build creativity and critical thinking skills. The lab will serve all students through elective classes, with lessons differentiated to meet varied learning needs. Students will also connect learning to real-world issues by designing community-improvement projects for a public showcase. This grant will launch a space that fosters innovation, equity, and future-focused learning.

Meet the Project Coordinator

Catarina Hernandez

My name is Catarina Hernandez, and I teach 6th grade Science, Social Studies, and—new for this school year—STEAM. I have been a part of the CTA for many years, starting in college as a student CTA member. I served as president of my college's SCTA branch for two years and was involved in an IFT Think Tank project during my graduate program, which aimed to connect college students with mentor teachers to support them in staying in the classroom. Over the last two summers, I was selected for a cohort in the Teacher Innovator Institute, hosted by the National Air and Space Museum, where I had the opportunity to participate in high-quality STEAM professional development. This experience inspired me to create a STEAM lab on our campus, giving students the chance to explore new technologies, be creative, and think outside the box. I am excited to get started on this project and see what my students will create this school year.

Escondido, CA