At Resurrection Lutheran School, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is woven throughout our curriculum from Junior Kindergarten through eighth grade. Our approach combines rigorous academic standards with hands-on, project-based learning that prepares students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world—all within a Christ-centered environment.
Our STEM Philosophy
We believe STEM education should do more than teach technical skills. Our program develops critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and compassionate innovators who understand that their God-given talents in science and technology can serve others and make a positive impact on the world.
STEM is not isolated to a single class or subject at RLS. Instead, our teachers integrate STEM principles across all content areas, helping students see the interconnected nature of knowledge and understand how scientific inquiry, mathematical reasoning, and technological innovation apply to real-world challenges.
Technology Integration
Technology serves as a powerful tool for learning at RLS. Beginning in kindergarten, students use tablets to explore educational apps and develop digital literacy. Starting in first grade, each student uses Chromebooks in the classroom, providing consistent access to digital resources, coding platforms, and collaborative tools throughout their elementary and middle school years.
Our classrooms are equipped with SmartBoards and other educational technology that enhances instruction across all subjects. Students learn not only how to use technology effectively but also when to unplug and engage in hands-on experimentation and face-to-face collaboration.
Curriculum Resources
RLS utilizes research-based STEM curriculum resources that align with North Carolina State Standards while providing opportunities for extension and enrichment:
- Defined Learning provides authentic, project-based learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications
- Generation Genius delivers engaging science videos and hands-on activities that make complex concepts accessible and exciting
- Code.org introduces students to computer science and coding through age-appropriate lessons and challenges
These resources support our teachers in creating integrated STEM experiences that challenge students at every grade level.
Hands-On Learning in Action
STEM education at RLS emphasizes learning by doing. Students engage in projects that require them to ask questions, design solutions, test ideas, and refine their work—mirroring the processes used by professional scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Elementary STEM Projects
Second Grade: Musical Instrument Engineering
Using various materials including cardboard, rubber bands, and cups, second graders design and build musical instruments that can be played in two different ways. This project explores sound, pitch, and tone while integrating principles of engineering design.
Third Grade: Wild Robot 3D Design
After reading the novel The Wild Robot, third graders use Tinkercad software to design their own robots, which are then brought to life using our 3D printer. This project combines literacy, digital design, and manufacturing technology.
Fourth Grade: Electric Circuit Exploration
Students explore the principles of electricity by building mini cars with open and closed circuits controlled by switches. This hands-on project makes abstract concepts tangible and demonstrates practical applications of scientific principles.
Middle School STEM Projects
NCTies Educational App Development
Middle school students identify problems or needs in education and develop original apps to address them. Over the past four years, RLS students have created five educational apps and presented their work at the prestigious NCTies conference Student Showcase. This experience provides authentic exposure to the app development process, from conceptualization through user testing and public presentation.
Competition & Showcase Opportunities
RLS students have opportunities to test their skills and share their work beyond our school walls:
Science Olympiad
Our first Science Olympiad team of 14 middle school students will compete in the Wolfpack Regional in January 2026. This competition challenges students across multiple science disciplines and fosters teamwork, preparation, and academic excellence.
NCTies Student Showcase
For four consecutive years (including 2026), RLS students have presented their innovative projects at the North Carolina Technology in Education Society conference. Students must submit project proposals for review and, once accepted, present their work to educators and technology professionals from across the state.
Professional Development & Teacher Excellence
Our commitment to quality STEM education extends to ongoing teacher development. RLS faculty members participate in extensive professional learning opportunities:
- STEM Leadership Academy attendance for the past two summers
- Professional development led by Marsha Sirkin from NC State House, focusing on science and engineering practices from North Carolina state science standards
- Three consecutive years of attendance at the NCTies Technology Conference
- Leadership roles at SEDLEC 2024, where RLS teachers led two sessions on STEM integration and education
This investment in teacher training ensures that every RLS educator has the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate STEM throughout their curriculum—not just in science class, but across math, language arts, social studies, and elective subjects.
Cross-Curricular Integration
STEM principles appear throughout the school day at RLS. Students might:
- Document scientific observations through detailed writing in language arts
- Analyze data and create graphs in math class that connect to science experiments
- Study the history of technological innovations and their impact on society
- Create digital art projects that incorporate principles of design and engineering
- Apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems in social studies
This integrated approach helps students understand that STEM skills are not isolated to specific subjects but are essential tools for understanding and engaging with the world around them.
Preparing for the Future
RLS graduates leave our program prepared for "honors level" coursework in high school, with a strong foundation in STEM subjects that serves them well regardless of their chosen path. Many of our students excel in advanced science courses, take on leadership roles in robotics teams and tech clubs, and pursue STEM majors in college.
More importantly, they understand that their abilities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are gifts to be developed and used in service to others—whether they become engineers designing solutions to global challenges, teachers inspiring the next generation, healthcare professionals caring for their communities, or innovators in fields we have yet to imagine.
STEM School of Distinction Certification
Resurrection Lutheran School is currently pursuing recognition as a North Carolina STEM School of Distinction at the Prepared level. This certification recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in STEM education through rigorous learning experiences, project-based learning, integration of the Engineering Design Process, and comprehensive teacher development.
Our application highlights our school-wide commitment to STEM integration, where every teacher incorporates STEM principles within their curriculum. We emphasize the use of technology as a tool for authentic, project-based learning that connects students to real-world applications and prepares them for future academic and career success.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is STEM different from traditional science and math classes?
STEM education goes beyond teaching isolated facts in science and math. It integrates multiple disciplines, emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, and connects learning to real-world applications. Students learn to think like scientists and engineers—asking questions, designing solutions, testing ideas, and collaborating with peers.
Do students need to be 'good at math' to succeed in STEM at RLS?
Every student can succeed in STEM! Our approach recognizes that students have different strengths and learning styles. We provide differentiated instruction, collaborative learning opportunities, and hands-on projects that allow students to engage with STEM concepts in multiple ways. Small class sizes ensure that teachers can provide individualized support.
How does RLS integrate Christian faith with STEM education?
We believe that science and faith complement each other beautifully. Students learn that scientific inquiry helps us understand God's creation while faith provides the moral and ethical framework for using knowledge responsibly. We encourage students to see their STEM abilities as gifts from God that should be developed and used to serve others.
What technology skills will my child develop at RLS?
Students develop digital literacy, coding skills, design thinking, and responsible technology use. They learn to use productivity tools, create digital content, understand basic programming concepts, and navigate online resources safely and effectively. Most importantly, they learn when technology is the right tool for a task and when hands-on, unplugged learning is more appropriate.
How does RLS's STEM program prepare students for high school?
Our graduates are prepared for honors-level coursework in high school. They have strong foundations in scientific inquiry, mathematical reasoning, and technological literacy. They're also skilled in critical thinking, collaboration, and project management—abilities that serve them well across all high school subjects and extracurricular activities.
Can students participate in STEM activities outside of regular class time?
Yes! Students can join our Science Olympiad team, participate in coding clubs, and work on projects for competitions like the NCTies Student Showcase.
For more information about our STEM program or to schedule a tour of our school, please contact us. We'd love to show you our STEM classroom in action!
To learn more about tuition and financial assistance options, visit our Affording Resurrection page.
