Tatanka Elementary STEM School

Tatanka ElementarySTEM School “Engineering Our Future”

Science | Technology | Engineering | Math 

At Tatanka Elementary STEM School (TESS), we offer a specialized curriculum that helps students become critical thinkers and problem solvers. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts are integrated into classroom lessons. Through these experiences, our students Collaborate, Communicate, think Critically, and use Creativity (the four Cs) to develop a deeper understanding of all the STEM components. We build upon children’s natural curiosity to help them research questions, investigate problems and develop solutions using STEM concepts. This active, “minds on” approach prepares students with the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.

Magnet School

TESS is a magnet school—a public school with a specialized curriculum. There is no fee to attend and transportation is provided. Students living in the TESS neighborhood boundary are automatically enrolled in the school. In addition, anyone within the district (and from a member district within the Northwest Suburban Integration School District—NWSISD) can apply for one of the open seats available at each grade level. Those families who open enroll apply through a lottery process with NWSISD. 

Engineering Focus

The primary focus at TESS is on engineering—the application of science—and how it plays a part in everything a student learns, from reading and writing to math and science. Engineering is the creation of a technology to meet a human need or desire. TESS students engineer a variety of technologies throughout their K-5 education. 

“Minds On” Approach 

We embed the five Es—Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate—into all learning. Students are guided through research questions and data analysis to investigate problems and develop answers using STEM concepts. 

Hands-On Learning through Technology

Students learn early on at TESS that technology is anything human-made that is used to solve a problem. Technology can be an object, a system or a process. Students learn that while computers and iPads are technology, so are pencils, chairs and even recipes. We use many learning tools such as Engineering Design Challenges, Makers Spaces, and Thinking Maps to promote hands-on, engaged learning. Students are also exposed to coding projects using iPads to program Spheros and Lego WeDo 2.0 projects, while Bee-Bots are available for younger students to work on their coding skills.