CSULB student teachers spark STEAM curiosity in elementary kids
The children from Handy Elementary in Orange were a bit tentative at first, but then they got excited and vocal as they built robotic, spinning bugs out of paper clips, bits of plastic and tiny flat batteries.
They also constructed helicopters, cars and catapults out of wooden sticks in the Anatol Center. And they visited the Science Learning Center in the Hall of Science and learned about electricity, physics, optical illusions and animal habitats through hands-on exhibits.
A group of 21 Cal State Long Beach student teachers who are earning their teaching credentials at The Beach this summer were guiding and instructing the third graders, but not telling them too much. They had to learn a lot on their own.
It was all part of a STEAM for All Children at The Beach event on May 27, organized by Shuhua An, a professor of mathematics education at CSULB and lead advisor on this project. Fifty-four elementary kids were led by the CSULB “pre-service” teachers, or student teachers who have finished their bachelor’s degrees, yet are still completing their credential coursework and clinical experiences. Four Beach instructors were also coordinating and supervising the event.
“I’m definitely learning how to interact with students, learning about how their minds are thinking, and learning to be creative,” said Kristin Tsujimoto ‘24, one of the student teachers. “We’re encouraging students so they can achieve these cool little robotics that we’re working on right now.”
Jennifer Gregorio ’25 has wanted to be an elementary school teacher for as long as she can remember. “We’re learning how different students learn. Some students can be scared of science,” she said. “We’re learning how to incorporate those activities in a future classroom, and how we can make it really accessible and really hands-on, rather than just memorizing a formula.”
The event reflected CSULB’s ongoing partnership with local schools and the campus’ commitment to supporting equitable and meaningful STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) learning opportunities for children in the community. It also was an opportunity for CSULB student teachers to get hands-on experience teaching elementary school kids in a relaxed, fun environment.
CSULB’s IRA (instructionally related activities) funds and the CSU’s Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative provided funding support.
The CSULB students “learned how hands-on, interdisciplinary learning can increase student engagement and motivation,” said An, who teaches EDEL 462: Teaching and Learning Mathematics, K-8, a methods course in the Multiple Subject Credential Program in the College of Education. “As they worked with these children, they observed how integrating STEAM encouraged children to solve problems (build STEAM products) and collaborate with their peers. This experience strengthened their confidence in designing meaningful STEAM activities and reinforced the importance of making learning accessible and engaging for all students.”
Hayley Cody, one of two third-grade teachers from Handy Elementary who brought their classes to CSULB, said, “It’s really fun for our students to be able to work with college students. It’s really neat from a student-teacher perspective to work with kids and to learn from the students what they need help with. So the students are kind of teaching the student teachers too, because they’re working together toward a collective goal. It’s eye-opening for future educators.”
A significant portion of the Handy students were special education students, Cody and An said.
Nicole Hansen discovered her passion for teaching when she was working in an after-school program during her third year at Sonoma State. Now, The Beach is helping her achieve her goals.
“I’m learning how to direct and how to communicate clearly, and I guess I’m just learning from them, how they view the world and stuff. Just their creativity is inspiring.”
