Imagine a classroom where student learning is alive with discovery. That is what is happening for Bon Lin Elementary School’s STEAM club every Friday morning.
“STEAM” stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.
What started out as way for students to gain opportunities in such an environment has grown in the three years since the inception of the Science, Technology, Math and Education (STEM) program at BLE.
The first year, 2013, started off with a challenge for the students. Principal Kasandra Berry asked students to reduce the amount of paper towel waste in the school. The students researched and suggested that the school purchase hand dryers for the restrooms, eliminating much of the paper towel use throughout the school. Using the student’s suggestions, dryers were purchased and installed. They are used daily in the student restrooms.
The success of the first STEM group led to growth for the club. The number of students grew to more than 60 attendees at the weekly sessions under the leadership of teachers Erika Papageorgeon, Rachel Cooper, Rebecca Priddy and Jana Whitt.
Club Invention was used as the curriculum for the club, and that led to Bon Lin Elementary hosting the Camp Invention last summer. Students from Bartlett, Lakeland and other surrounding areas attended the one-week camp in June.
For the 2015-16 school year, Bon Lin’s STEAM club challenged students by incorporating two new programs, Code.org and PTLW (Project Lead the Way). The Code.org program intrigued ambitious students with computer programming. PLTW challenged students using robotics and flight.
The success of the club and camp has prompted Bon Lin to again host Camp Invention this summer. Organizers say this year’s looks to be even better than last year’s camp.
Camp Invention signups
Teachers from Bon Lin will facilitate this summer’s Camp Invention, and volunteer high school students will serve as leadership interns.
Since 1990, Camp Invention has taken summer fun and transformed it from ordinary to extraordinary! In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Bon Lin Elementary is pleased to offer the nationally acclaimed Camp Invention program to children entering grades one through six.
It’s a week-long summer adventure with lessons that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation.
Children will work together to seek solutions to real-world problems and sharpen critical 21st century learning skills while rotating through several fascinating modules. The week begins on June 13 and goes to June 17 with Papageorgeon serving as director.
This year, young innovators will:
n Brainstorm product ideas and build original prototypes using real tools and components found in everyday devices
n Explore the lives of giant insects, colorful animals and their environments
n Construct and personalize a DIY solar-powered cricket with a unique habitat
n Discover the science of slime, demolition, electronic sound, giant squid and coding
All activities give participants the opportunity to be a part of something big while having fun. For more information and to sign your child up, visit campinvention.org. For more information, contact Papageorgeon at epapageorgeon@bartlettschools.org.
