Family STEM Night engages K-12 community

With the use of the green screen, one student appears to be riding a dinosaur!

The Central Columbia School District proudly hosted STEM Night at the elementary school. The event, dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), brought together over 400 students, parents and educators for an evening filled with hands-on activities and inspiring demonstrations. “STEM Nights are not only exciting and motivating for students, but STEM education also helps students develop skills that they can use across all of their academic classes and future lives,” said Elementary Principal Emily Brockmann.

Parents and guardians were actively involved in the night’s activities, working alongside their children to solve challenges and explore the wonders of science and technology. The event included interactive activities led by math teachers, science teachers and staff members. From Floor is Lava and Slime to Space Docking and the Turkey Cage Challenge, participants enjoyed STEM activities as well as math games and activities including Array Dot Builder, Basic Fact Tic-Tac-Toe, Dice Wars, Tangram Puzzles, Top-It, Constellation Cups and Secret Codes. “The night was a success because of all the amazing activities and the enthusiastic volunteers who brought STEM Night to life,” said Lynne Brown, K-6 math department head.

Guest readers Superintendent Mr. Groshek and Assistant Principal Mrs. Humphrey engaged audiences with readings of Rosie Revere, Engineer, and Iggy Peck, Architect, stories designed to inspire creativity and curiosity in engineering and architecture. Families and students were provided the opportunity to attend the Scholastic Book Fair, organized by elementary school librarian Courtney Jarinko.

Throughout the evening, Central Columbia High School’s CTE programs showcased the incredible talents of its students. Activities offered included leaf discovery, butterfly life cycles, erosion tables, CPR demonstrations, green screen, boat building and money recycling. The following CTE programs participated at STEM Night: agricultural science, led by Doug Brown and Kristie Good; medical sciences, led by Jason Jarinko; technology and communication, led by Doug Farley, engineering led by Eric Smith and Scott Osborne; and accounting, led by Andrew Belolan and Holly Hippenstiel. Elementary School Guidance Counselor Kristina Unger said, “Our CTE programs provide students the opportunity to discover endless possibilities that await them in their futures.”

The K-6 science and math departments organized the event and collaborated to provide exciting opportunities for students and families. “The joy and enthusiasm on everyone’s faces reflected the event’s success in engaging young minds and fostering a passion for STEM subjects,” said Diane Marro, K-6 science department head.