Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the K 12 Education Stem topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dan Emmett students begin monthly STEM lab to boost teamwork and hands-on learning
Summary
Mount Vernon City officials described a new once-a-month STEM lab at Dan Emmett Elementary that runs October–March, led by library and classroom staff and centered on hands-on challenges such as an egg-drop and nest-building activities.
Mount Vernon City school officials said Dan Emmett Elementary launched a monthly STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lab this year to give students hands-on learning and teamwork practice.
The program runs once a month in the school library from October through March and is led by the school librarian and classroom teachers, officials said. Activities described to the board included an egg-drop challenge, static-electricity experiments, paper snowflake and balloon exercises, nest-building using only natural materials, and marshmallow-tower construction adapted for younger students.
Board presenters said roughly 65 student groups participated in the egg-drop activity; they reported only four eggs broke. Teachers and students provided feedback that the activities increased collaboration, problem solving and engagement. One teacher quoted in the presentation, Mrs. Farr, asked to reuse leftover supplies for indoor recess projects, the presenters said.
Presenters told the board that activities are adjusted by grade level. Kindergarten and first-grade tasks were simplified and received more adult prep assistance; older students took on more independent design and testing. The STEM materials purchased this year will be available for classroom check-out and will extend the hands-on work beyond library time, presenters said.
School staff said they plan to expand the program next year and consider increasing the frequency beyond once a month. They also noted initial startup costs required purchasing kits and supplies; presenters said the school purchased additional kits this year so classrooms can sign out extensions.
Following the presentation, board members asked about storage and logistics; presenters said materials are kept in a designated STEM closet and classroom cabinets. The presentation included examples of student work and teacher reflections, and board members thanked staff for piloting the program.
