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.
Hands-On STEM Learning Labs
Riverview Elementary students engage in hands-on STEM labs that emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Students explore engineering design challenges, coding, and real-world problem-solving through WozED modules and interactive activities that build curiosity and confidence in STEM.
Robotics and Coding Opportunities
Riverview's robotics program introduces students to coding, teamwork, and design thinking through VEX IQ robotics and age-appropriate coding tools such as Scratch, Botzees, Sphero Minis. Students learn to plan, build, and test their designs while developing persistence, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Creativity Through Animation and Augmented Reality
Riverview Elementary’s STEM program encourages students to bring their imagination to life through creative technologies such as stop-motion animation and augmented reality (AR). Students design and color their own characters, then use AR tools to see them come alive and interact with the real world. Through animation projects, they plan, storyboard, and produce short films that combine storytelling, technology, and teamwork. These activities build creativity, problem-solving, and digital literacy while helping students see themselves as creators and innovators.
Our Current STEM Focus
Riverview Elementary’s current STEM focus is on strengthening collaborative problem-solving and hands-on inquiry across all grade levels. The STEM teacher is working to incorporate literacy and math standards into STEM lessons to create comfort and confidence in cross-curricular learning. The goal is to support classroom instruction and encourage students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in all areas. We are also building consistency in how students engage with WozED modules and expanding opportunities for students to apply STEM skills through team-based projects and real-world challenges.
Riverview Elementary School
Riverview Elementary School is part of Marion Community Schools, located in Marion, Indiana. The school serves approximately 368 students in grades K–4, offering a caring and inclusive educational experience. Riverview Elementary is dedicated to helping students build strong academic skills, develop confidence, and cultivate curiosity through engaging and supportive learning opportunities.
What STEM means at Riverview Elementary School
At Riverview Elementary School, we envision a learning environment where every child is inspired to wonder, explore, and create. Grounded in Marion Community Schools' mission to prepare all students to reach their greatest potential, our STEM program will cultivate curiosity, confidence, and a love for problem-solving in every learner. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning rooted in real-world challenges, Riverview students will engage as thinkers, designers, and collaborators who believe in their own ability to learn, grow, and innovate.
Our commitment begins with equitable access: every Riverview student—regardless of background, readiness level, or learning style—will participate in high-quality STEM experiences each year. Through consistent instructional models such as the Engineering Design Process, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on WozED modules, students will practice critical thinking, communication, and collaboration as essential life skills. Robotics, coding, animation, and augmented reality tools will deepen engagement and empower students to bring ideas to life through creativity and perseverance.
Riverview’s classrooms will be places where students see meaningful connections between what they learn and the world around them. By introducing early exposure to STEM careers and local industry pathways, students will begin to understand how their interests and talents connect to future opportunities. Partnerships with community organizations, higher education, and industry professionals will enrich classroom learning and ensure students encounter authentic audiences, mentors, and real-world perspectives that build early career awareness.
As a school community, we are committed to building a sustainable STEM culture that endures over time. Teachers will continue growing their practice through collaboration, coaching, and a shared commitment to high-quality STEM instruction in every classroom. We will foster an inclusive culture where every student feels welcomed, supported, and capable—because a strong STEM identity begins with belonging.
Riverview Elementary will be known as a place where students are encouraged to try, think, question, and create—where their ideas matter and their voices are valued. Together with our families and community partners, we are building a GIANT future filled with curiosity, courage, and limitless possibility. Riverview students will leave us not only academically prepared, but confident, resilient, and ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
