Our Elementary STEM Lab is now in its second year of providing exciting, hands-on learning opportunities for students in Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Under the guidance of Mrs. Marsha Candler, students step into a space designed to spark curiosity, teamwork, and innovation.
What is STEM? STEM stands for:
S – Science: Learning about how the world works—like animals, weather, or space!
T – Technology: Using tools and computers to help us solve problems.
E – Engineering: Building things and figuring out how they work.
M – Math: Using numbers and shapes to understand and solve problems.
Why is STEM Important? STEM gives our students the chance to:
Ask big questions.
Use their imaginations.
Solve real-world problems.
Work together as a team.
Create exciting things like robots, rockets, and bridges.
What Do We Do in STEM? Every visit to the STEM Lab is filled with hands-on learning that connects stories, science, and problem-solving. Recently, students in 2nd grade listened to Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty. Inspired by Rosie’s attempt to build a flying machine, they were challenged to design, build, and test their own “flying machines” to glide Rosie down a zip line. This activity not only introduced students to engineering concepts but also highlighted women role models in STEM.
In Kindergarten, students enjoyed There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books by Lucille Colandro. After the story, they used the Engineering Design Process to imagine, plan, and create projects connected to the silly tale. Even our youngest learners practiced thinking like engineers while having fun with a familiar story.
Principal Alicia Skipper shares, “STEM allows our youngest learners to explore, problem-solve, and collaborate in ways that build skills for their future. We are excited to see how our STEM Lab continues to inspire creativity and curiosity in our students.”
The STEM Lab is more than just a class—it’s a place where learning comes alive and students discover the joy of creating and problem-solving.