Now in her second year as a digital learning coach for the district, Trigg County Schools’ Melissa Gilkey has created a “STEM Night” and placed it under her wing.
Planned from 4-6 PM Tuesday, September 13, in the Elementary School Gym, students from all grades are invited to come learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics — and in unique, targeted and interesting ways.
Think of this as being like an interactive science fair, with the chance to test different concepts.
Gilkey said she brought this idea home from a spring conference she attended, with most everything being implemented either free — or close to free — for the district.
A pair of specific events will be the centerpiece of the evening.
Students will also get to decorate a postcard, and mail it to outer space.
Other “STEM” activities will be available as well, including marshmallow catapults, straw rockets, weighted bridges, plastic cup pyramid challenges and more.
A 10-year veteran as a mathematics teacher, Gilkey said there’s “a great need” for “STEM”-ulation inside the classroom, and not necessarily because of college. America’s workforce continues to increase its technological capacity, and “STEM” also encourages problem-solving and cooperation.
“STEM” work, she said, can also be surprisingly creative.
Gilkey believes this is the first time Trigg Schools has tried to organize anything this direction, and she’s encouraging parents to join their children for the two hours of learning. Tablets, Chromebooks and several classes across the campus have only helped drive home “STEM” ideals, but Gilkey said there can always be more.
Several volunteers from within the school will be on hand for assistance, and those who attend will be in line for door prize drawings and a main drawing for a LEGO set.
Students and families wishing to attend need only bring themselves, and some imagination.
