Dames Ferry Elementary School recently hosted a STEM night for students and their families, featuring an engaging presentation, interactive activities, a Star Lab dome, and a chemistry magic show.
STEM Coordinator Ashley Ivy mentioned the significance of hosting the event. STEM is an abbreviation for four closely connected areas of study: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“It allows our parents to learn more about STEM and experience its wonders with their children. It is one of our most popular after-school nights throughout the year and is always something our parents and students look back fondly on,” she said.
Family Engagement Liaison Jennifer Tanner expressed her gratitude to Ivy for coordinating the event and highlighting the importance of STEM education.
“Our dedicated STEM coordinator delivered an enlightening presentation on how we weave these vital components into our curriculum,” she said.
Tanner detailed the interactive activities students engaged in with their families during the event.
“They constructed catapults to launch pompoms, created constellations using pipe cleaners and beads, and built complete electric circuits to illuminate light bulbs,” she said.
The liaison added that attendees explored bee-related items, including photographs from the fourth grade’s hive, honeybee mites, honeycombs, and honey sticks.
Georgia College & State University provided animal pelts and microscopes, enabling families to closely examine objects such as rocks, feathers, and currency.
Ivy further discussed the school’s collaboration with the college with the Star Lab experience.
“The Star Lab provided by Georgia College allowed students to look closely at the night sky and see constellations and planets more clearly. Students learned the names of the constellations and stories behind them as well as other astronomical information,” she said.
Ivy also spoke about the chemistry magic show presented by Dr. Catrena Lissie from GCSU.
“The chemistry magic show gives students a look into the wonders of chemicals and what happens when certain chemicals mix. Students get to experience different reactions through the wonder of science,” she said.
Tanner thanked those who contributed to the success of the event.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Georgia College & State University for providing the impressive Star Lab dome and Dr. Lissie for the captivating chemistry magic show. This event offered a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and explore the world of STEM in an engaging and fun-filled environment,” she said.
