The South Huntington School District's Technology and Elementary STEAM Initiatives Departments were happy to host their 3rd Annual Family STREAM Saturday at Maplewood Intermediate School recently. The event is a great opportunity for students K-5 and their families to learn about the integration of Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, The Arts, and Mathematics through engaging hands-on, discovery-based activities.
Because the modern workplace requires a higher level of interdisciplinary collaboration, the benefits of STEAM in education are becoming more apparent. Activities associated with STEAM incorporate critical thinking skills, exposure to various media and platforms, improving students’ emotional intelligence and social skills, and encouraging students’ curiosity. This day is designed to introduce all that STEAM education has to offer to students and their families in a fun-filled way.
Students and their families had the chance to participate in two 60-minute workshops that included activities such as Microbits and MakeCode, Hidden Worlds With Microscopes, Edible Science Challenge, 3Doodler Snowman Glyph, Take a Trip With Cubetto, and more. “With STEAM, educators can capture the imagination and empower students to explore a universe of possibilities,” shared Mrs. Janine D’Elia, Technology Integration Coach at Maplewood. The goal of this annual event is to provide a showcase for students to show them what STEAM is all about and engage them in fun activities while promoting collaboration, observation, and problem solving skills.
It was extremely gratifying as teachers led these exciting workshops for students and their families to enjoy. Thank you to all of our teachers and high school helpers for allowing the day to run smoothly. Thank you to Janine D’Elia, Mari Hahn, Elizabeth Weis and the Technology and Elementary STEAM Initiatives Department for organizing this event!
Students explored hidden worlds revealed to them through microscopes, getting a closer look at soil, moss, insects and more.
Participants in the Edible Science Challenge workshop were able to eat their science explorations!
K-2 students used the wooden robot, Cubetto. Through hands-on exploration students understood cardinal directions and used coding tiles, as well as his control board to navigate through Cubetto's adventure map.
In the Lego Bric Q Push Car Derby workhop, K-3 students and their families built a spring launcher and a car with a removable brake to explore push and pull forces, and the effects of friction with the LEGO Education BricQ Motion Essential Set.
What is the best bandage? Students in grades 3-5 used artificial blood to compare the effectiveness of a variety of bandages and bandaids.
Stimson Science teacher, Mr. Morrill, demonstrated how to use our state-of-the-art Anatomage tables to our youngest students.
Thank you to everyone who made this year's STREAM Saturday such a success!