Family STEAM Night

Our recent Annual Family STEAM Night was an evening filled with laughter, learning, and lots of hands-on activities that brought families together to explore the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).  This year, we hosted over 15 engaging activities that catered to all ages and interests.  From constructing towering structures to unleashing creativity through art and problem-solving challenges, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

One of our most popular activities was the ‘Marshmallow Challenge’, where families worked together to build the tallest freestanding structure using only spaghetti sticks, tape, string, and a marshmallow.  It was inspiring to see parents and children brainstorming, experimenting, and problem-solving as a team.  

For those with a passion for technology, the Sphero Art station provided a unique opportunity to combine coding with creativity.  Families used Sphero robots to create a mural by programming them to move and paint on a large canvas.  The final artwork was truly remarkable, showcasing the endless possibilities of STEAM integration.  

A new activity this year was ‘Puzzle Face’, which immediately sparked curiosity and critical thinking as families used an image key to assemble the puzzle code-side by placing each color-coded and numbered piece in the correct place and orientation.  Once all the pieces were assembled they flipped the puzzle over to reveal a face!  Families were excited to see whose faces would be shown when the puzzle was complete.

Beyond these highlights, there were plenty of other activities, including interactive science experiments, engineering challenges, and art projects, all designed to ignite curiosity and inspire a love of learning.  HNTB, an engineering company, taught our families how civil engineers design roadways by participating in a hands-on activity, in addition to demonstrating how drones are used for bridge inspections and documentation while referencing images and videos from the Pulaski Skyway Rehabilitation Project.  

As we reflect on this memorable evening, we are reminded of the importance of fostering a love of STEAM education from an early age.  By providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and family involvement, we can empower our students to become confident, innovative thinkers ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.