November 6, 2020
Union Elementary STEAM and Demonstration School began its STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) focus in 2008. Since 2008, the faculty, staff, and students have worked hard to incorporate STEM into their daily lesson expectations. Through hard work and constant instructional reflection, Union earned the distinction of a Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) Accreditation. Union was one of Tennessee’s first elementary schools to earn this accreditation in 2015. Through Union’s engaging STEM lab classes and daily increased focus on questioning and critical thinking, students made great gains in both academic growth and performance. In 2018, Union earned STEM designation status with the Tennessee Department of Education.
To further enrich the learning experiences at Union, the faculty and staff began adding an additional fine arts focus. In 2020, Union STEM became Union STEAM with a fine arts program unlike in the school’s history. The program now includes a multitude of choral and percussion performances and art exhibits and showcases. Students in grades K-5 benefit from weekly choral, percussion, STEM, and art clubs, including the formation of the Rockin’ Raiders, Union’s first school choir.
Although located in a suburban neighborhood, Union provides opportunities for students to learn more about agriculture-based STEM through hands-on learning experiences in the school’s butterfly garden, vegetable garden, rain garden, greenhouse, chicken coop, flower garden, and nature trail. Off-campus hands-on learning experiences for Union students and citizens of the city of Gallatin are available at the school’s butterfly garden, located at Triple Creek Park.
For more information on Union Elementary’s designation, visit ues2.sumnerschools.org.