stArt Exploring is an education resource produced by teaching artist Carina A. del Rosario and supported by Sound Transit’s STart Program. stArt Exploring features ready-to-use lessons that help students learn science, technology, engineering, and math concepts and skills through the arts.

This arts-integrated approach is grounded in academic standards, while also addressing social-emotional learning and cultural relevancy. Each lesson is designed for specific grade levels (K-2nd and 3rd-5th), comes with an activity guide and closed-captioned video to help teachers and caregivers support young people’s learning. Content is available in English, Spanish, and Russian.

STEM + Art Activities for 3rd-5th Grade

Canoes: Models and Meaning

Grade Level: 3rd–5th grade

Teaching Artist: Adam Collet
Students will learn how the type of waterway and the type of cargo influence the shape of a canoe’s design by building a model canoe out of recycled materials. They will also hear excerpts of interviews with two indigenous carvers about the importance of canoeing to them and their peoples.

Full Interviews with Indigenous Artists about Canoes

Cultural Preservation and Canoes with Qwalsius Shaun Peterson (Puyallup) (37 mins)
Canoes and Their Meaning to Toth-la-laitchin Titus Capoeman (Quinault) (40 mins)

Art & Architecture

Grade Level: 3rd–5th grade

Teaching Artist: Laura Brown
Students will be introduced to architecture and public art from local and international communities. They will use materials from home to create models of architecture and public art, using a block method and a slot method.

Migration & Mapping

Grade Level: 3rd–5th grade

Teaching Artist: Carina A. del Rosario
Taking inspiration from migratory animals, students will think about and record the places they go to on a typical day. They will create a map and plot the places they go and why. They will compare their migratory patterns with others, look for “hot spots” (points of convergence) and determine what they would like to add there.

STEM + Art Activities for K-2nd Grade

Three Sisters: Biodiversity & Mutual Aid

Grade Level: K-2nd

Teaching Artist: Maribel Valdez Gonzalez
Students will learn a traditional Iroqoius story about the bean, corn, and squash. They will also be prompted to think about what they can learn about the Three Sisters and caring for their families and communities.

UPDATE: The original video uses the Jamboard app, which is no longer available. However, the activity can still be done using basic drawing materials, shapes or toys.

From 2D to 3D: Make Your Own Building Card Kit

Grade Level: K–2nd grade

Teaching Artist: Adam Collet
Students will learn to make a modular building kit, which can be used to make table-top sculptures. They will practice designing sculptures that can be stable and stand up by themselves.

Habitats: Stories of Home

Grade Level: K–2nd grade

Teaching Artist: Lauren Appel
Using visual art, theatre, and puppetry, students will learn to show what they know about animal habitats.