Photos by Rome City Schools
Students and their families gathered in the halls of East Central Elementary School’s as faculty hosted a STEAM Family Night.
East Central hosts several Science, Engineering, Technology, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) events throughout the year. According to East Central Principal, Kristin Teems, “It is a great way for students to explore the different science, math and art related programs in a less structured environment.”
As students and families stood in line to check in for the event, they were cheerfully met by East Central student, Ansley Hall. Hall was put in charge of handing out maps to all parents, as well as making sure all students got their activity forms, which would come in handy throughout the night.
Teems then directed families into the gymnasium where Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President, Bill Whittington formally welcomed everyone to East Central.
As eager children waited to jump start this incredible night full of learning, Teems explained what stations were available for students, thanks to the Creative Discovery Museum of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Some of the stations that were available for use were:
- Boat construction
- Ozobots
- Pool noodle people
- Airplane build
- Wrecking ball
- Bridge building
- Ramps and pathways
- Foam cottage village
- Rube Goldberg machine
“East Central used funds from PTO fundraisers to pay the Creative Discovery Museum to set up the stations, while also giving our teachers a quick professional learning course. We need our teachers to know how to properly use the materials the museum delivered to us,” said Teems. “In return, the Creative Discovery Museum gives one lucky East Central student a family membership to the museum as a door prize, which is amazing as well.”
Once released, students filled the rooms of these stations as small giggles, and “oohs” and “ahhs” echoed throughout the once bustling hallways.
At the boat construction station, students took turns building boats out of aluminum foil and tested them in water by filling them with marbles until they sank. One student’s boat held 98 marbles before it gave way and went under.
“My favorite station that I visited tonight was the Ozobots station,” said Iona Ollis, student at East Central. “I love playing with robots, and at this station we had to draw lines like a maze on pieces of paper. The robots then traced them. I am really interested in technology and love coming to STEAM nights because of all the cool things they have to learn with.”
At the airplane build station, students constructed airplanes out of materials like paper cups and tongue depressors. Once the plane was ready for flight, they were put to the test in an air chamber to see if they could withstand the airstream.
“I love hosting these STEAM nights because I like to see our kids and parents in our school,” explained Teems. “I like to see the kids having fun at school while also being able to learn while having fun.”
“When we host these nights, we keep the idea of cross-curriculum in mind, which we all love. More than anything else, I think it is great to have everyone in the building after school hours, having a great time and learning. That’s more important than anything else,” smiled Teems.
What a great night full of learning for students at East Central! Go Wolves!
