C-STREAM Framework¶
-
Catholic · Science · Technology · Religion · Engineering · Arts · Math
A Catholic STEM framework integrating faith and reason throughout every aspect of the curriculum, built on research-backed success factors from NCEA.
Welcome to C-STREAM¶
C-STREAM represents Catholic STEM education that intentionally weaves together faith and reason throughout every aspect of the curriculum. Rather than treating religion as a standalone subject, this framework integrates Catholic identity like "yeast that causes everything to rise."
Our Vision
"Science and faith are complementary – the beautiful harmony of faith and reason so students can be a light in the secular world."
Lesson Time Frames by Grade¶
| Grade Level | Session Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 25 minutes | Focus on wonder, exploration, simple hands-on activities |
| Grades 1-2 | 30 minutes | Guided exploration with structured activities |
| Grades 3-4 | 40 minutes | Independent work with collaboration opportunities |
| Grades 5-6 | 45 minutes | Complex projects, deeper investigation, student-led inquiry |
Scheduling Flexibility¶
C-STREAM offers two scheduling options to fit your school's needs:
Full curriculum for schools with STREAM every week.
Condensed curriculum for schools with STREAM every other week.
Two-Year Rotation (Grades 1-6)¶
For combined-grade classrooms, we offer Year A and Year B versions:
-
Year A & Year B cover the same core skills with different projects, saints, and contexts
-
Students never repeat content in back-to-back years
-
Kindergarten has a single track (students only experience it once)
Quick Navigation¶
-
Planning
-
Templates
-
Assessment
-
Resources
What Makes C-STREAM Special¶
The "A" in C-STREAM encompasses Arts (both visual and musical), emphasizing digital creation tools:
-
Digital Art: Drawing apps, graphic design, animation, 3D modeling -
Digital Music: Composition apps, sound design, audio editing, coding music
The 12 Success Factors¶
This framework is built on twelve research-backed success factors for Catholic STEM programs:
1. 
Faith-Reason Integration
Present science and faith as complementary, using STEM subjects as "privileged gateways into the divine order of things."
2. 
NCEA's 10 Characteristics
Alignment with National Catholic Education Association standards for excellence in Catholic STEM education.
3. 
Hands-On, Project-Based Learning
Students apply leading-edge technology to "hands-on, minds-on projects" that build critical thinking and collaboration.
4. 
Service-Oriented STEM Applications
Connect STEM skills to Catholic social teaching through "Hands and Feet of Christ" projects.
5. 
Cross-Curricular Integration
Intentionally connect disciplines – math, science, art, music, religion, and language arts.
6. 
Balance with Traditional Subjects
STEM receives emphasis but not at the expense of other subjects; maintain the whole-child approach.
7. 
Start Early
Begin high-quality STEM education as soon as children enter elementary school.
8. 
Teacher Professional Development
Investment in educator training on bringing faith and reason together in the classroom.
9. 
21st Century Skills Focus
Emphasize problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
10. 
Catholic Heritage in Science
Leverage the Church's rich scientific legacy (Mendel, Copernicus, Pasteur, Lemaître, and more).
11. 
Community and Industry Partnerships
External connections with parishes, universities, and industry partners enhance programs.
12. 
Wonder and Curiosity as Foundation
Approach education from the perspective of wonder, exploration, and faith.
Year at a Glance¶
| Term | Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | 1-12 | Exploration, wonder, establishing routines |
| Winter | 13-22 | Deeper investigation, long-arc projects |
| Spring | 23-34 | Application, service projects, celebration |
Lesson Mix (34 sessions):
-
10-15 Single-Week Lessons - Self-contained explorations -
8-10 Multi-Week Units (2-4 weeks each) - Deeper investigations -
4-6 Long-Arc Projects (5-8 weeks each) - Major engineering challenges
Getting Started¶
- Read the Quick Start Guide - Get up and running in 30 minutes
- Review the Year Planner - See the full 34-week structure
- Browse the Lesson Index - Find lessons by type, grade, or topic
- Check Materials Inventory - Gather supplies
- Request CSCOE Materials - 2 weeks ahead
About This Framework
C-STREAM Framework is developed for Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic School in Belle Plaine, MN, part of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.