inSights Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 6

Family STEAM Night – A Passport to Future Success On April 14th, elementary students and their families entered Enrico Fermi High School to find fun activities and events designed to ignite interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) concepts. Over the course of the night, over 1,000 people - including students, families, volunteers, and Enfield Public Schools staff members - filled the gym and many classrooms packed with engaging activities. Working collaboratively, high school students and teachers from the departments of Science, Technology Education, Art, Mathematics, Family and Consumer Science, Physical Education, and Business designed STEAM integrated activities for elementary students to encounter. The event had two major goals: to empower current high school students with the opportunity to facilitate an authentic experience for the commun ity, as well as to inspire elementary students’ future interests and learning. From the tremendous positive feedback received from all 6 involved, it is evident both goals were successfully met. Over 170 high school students volunteered and facilitated 38 different STEAM activities. Whether by making parachutes to demonstrate air resistance, launching catapults to learn about engineering principles, or moving through the “feel the beat” obstacle course demonstrating the flow of blood through a heart, all participants had the opportunity to have fun while learning. Additionally, students from the Art Department designed a STEAM passport to help the elementary students both track and award their progress throughout the event. The high school students participating found a great sense of purpose helping and encouraging the younger students; many have already expressed interest in helping out in the event next year. Parents and families were so thrilled with the event that they requested it to be held longer next year so that they could make their way through all of the activities. Family STEAM Night organizers were thrilled with such feedback and are expecting an even bigger turnout next year. inSights - Spring 2016