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🤝 Contributing to C-STREAM

Catholic Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the C-STREAM Framework! We welcome your input, whether it's submitting new lesson plans, improving existing resources, or helping us better integrate Catholic values into STEM education.

📋 How to Contribute

1. 🐛 Reporting Issues

If you notice any issues with the framework, lesson plans, templates, or resources (e.g., broken links, typos, or inaccuracies), please help us by reporting them:

  1. Go to the Issues tab in the repository
  2. Click on New Issue
  3. Provide a clear description with as much detail as possible:
  4. The file where the issue exists
  5. What needs to be corrected
  6. Any suggested fixes

2. 📝 Submitting New Lesson Plans

We'd love your help creating new C-STREAM lessons! Follow these steps:

  1. Fork the Repository
    Fork this repository to your own GitHub account.

  2. Create a New Branch
    Create a branch specific to your changes: 

    git checkout -b add-new-lesson-plan

  3. Use Our Templates
    Build your lesson using the C-STREAM Lesson Plan Template. Ensure your lesson:

  4. Integrates faith and reason (the "R" in C-STREAM)
  5. Specifies grade-appropriate timing (K: 25min, 1-2: 30min, 3-4: 40min, 5-6: 45min)
  6. Includes materials from the CSCOE Library where applicable

  7. Connects to Catholic values and/or Catholic Social Teaching

  8. Submit a Pull Request
    Submit a pull request to the main branch with a clear description of your lesson.

3. ✨ Improving Existing Resources

If you have suggestions for improving current materials:

  1. Identify the Resource
    Locate the file in the appropriate folder (Templates/, Rubrics/, Resources/)

  2. Fork and Branch
    Fork the repository and create a branch

  3. Make Changes
    Edit to improve clarity, expand activities, or better integrate Catholic values. Be sure to reference:

  4. CSCOE Library materials where appropriate
  5. Grade-level time frames

  6. The 12 Success Factors outlined in the framework

  7. Submit a Pull Request
    Include a description of what you changed and why

4. 👨‍🔬 Adding Catholic Scientist Profiles

Help expand our Catholic Scientists Heritage resource:

  1. Research a Catholic scientist not yet profiled
  2. Include:
  3. Biographical information
  4. Scientific contributions
  5. Faith journey and how faith influenced their work
  6. Discussion questions for students
  7. Grade-level adaptations

5. 📦 Contributing CSCOE Library Integration

If you have experience with CSCOE Library materials:

  • Share lesson ideas using specific equipment

  • Document setup procedures for materials

  • Suggest alternative activities when materials aren't available

✅ Contribution Guidelines

Respect Catholic Values

All lesson plans, resources, and materials must align with Catholic values and teachings. C-STREAM is built on the foundation that faith and reason are complementary.

Maintain Grade Appropriateness

Grade Time Approach
Kindergarten 25 min Wonder, exploration, simple hands-on
Grades 1-2 30 min Guided exploration with structure
Grades 3-4 40 min Independent work with collaboration
Grades 5-6 45 min Complex projects, student-led inquiry

Follow the 12 Success Factors

Ensure contributions align with the 12 Success Factors for Catholic STEM education.

Use Consistent Formatting

  • Follow existing file naming conventions

  • Use provided templates

  • Include proper YAML frontmatter

  • Add breadcrumb navigation

Test Your Contributions

If contributing a new lesson plan:

  • Test in a classroom setting if possible

  • Note any challenges or modifications needed

  • Include setup time and preparation requirements

Integrate Faith Meaningfully

Don't just add a prayer at the beginning—weave Catholic identity throughout like "yeast that causes everything to rise."

🔄 Review Process

Once your pull request is submitted:

  1. Initial Review - The C-STREAM team reviews your contribution
  2. Feedback - You may receive suggestions for improvements
  3. Revision - Update your pull request based on feedback
  4. Merge - Approved contributions are merged into the main branch
  5. Recognition - Contributors are acknowledged in release notes

💡 Ideas for Contributions

Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas:

  • Add more Catholic scientist profiles

  • Create grade-specific activity variations

  • Develop Digital Art/Music integration lessons

  • Write family engagement activities

  • Translate resources to Spanish

  • Create video tutorials for complex setups

  • Document CSCOE equipment procedures

  • Develop assessment tools

  • Add seasonal/liturgical connections

📫 Questions?

If you have questions about contributing:

  • Open a Discussion in the repository

  • Review existing Issues for similar questions

  • Contact the C-STREAM team through GitHub

🙏 Thank You!

Your contributions help us continue to inspire students to explore STEM through a Catholic lens. Together, we can help students see how science and faith work together to understand God's amazing creation.

"Science and faith are complementary – the beautiful harmony of faith and reason so students can be a light in the secular world."

Happy Teaching and Creating! ✨

C-STREAM Framework – Integrating Faith and Reason in STEM Education