VALPARAISO — Students at the STEMM Academy left behind their uniforms but kept on their thinking caps during a modified field day Friday.
For several hours students and their parents worked through seven stations set up to provide hands-on science and math lessons that teachers will carry back to the classrooms Monday from the first STEMM Center Community Day.
“It’s fantastic,” said parent Vince Ryder. “It gives everybody an opportunity to do things in a fun way, but at the same time use their knowledge.”
He was attending the event with his son, Marcus Fleury, who has attended the science, technology, engineering, math and medical school since it opened in August.
After taking a mid-morning break for lunch with his sixth-grade classmates and their parents, Marcus hopped back into activities and made no effort to hide his enthusiasm.
“Ohhhh! So that’s how it works,” the 11-year-old said as he used his hands to power a hand-held propeller.
His reaction was a common one, said 12-year-old Aaron Sutherland, who was selected to run the propeller station.
The trick, Aaron said, was not only to angle the propeller attached to a thin red stick when twirling it for launch, but to step forward as it is released.
In addition launching rockets made from straws, students learned how to write checks and a balance an account with the help of a local bank, what it takes to battle fires and how to maneuver robots military and law enforcement use.
“From watching other people you get an idea of what the controls are,” said 12-year-old Seth Carr, who added with a smile, “and if you play video games more often, you have a better idea of how to control them.”
According to Rick Soria, director of the STEMM Academy, they knew they needed to take a different approach to a traditional field day to enhance the practical applications of educational concepts they use on a daily basis.
“What we want them to do is see all the stuff we teach them, this is what it leads to,” Soria said. “ … The kids are loving it.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.