With exclamations of “Can I touch this?” and “Let’s go here!” Shepardson Elementary School was abuzz with excitement and curiosity as students ran room to room to discover the latest about bugs, robots, stars, airplanes and more during the school’s 13th annual Family STEM Night.
More than 670 people attended the evening event that highlighted the school’s focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Community organizations and partners facilitated 22 STEM-related demonstrations and activities spread throughout the school, giving students and families plenty of things to learn about.
Fifth-grader Ella Popema and her friends popped into the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program’s presentation to check out the large birds.
“I’ve never seen this big of a bird this close to me. I’ve only seen them flying high in the sky,” said Ella, who was excited about more activities ahead. “I’m excited about visiting the Star Lab to learn more about stars."
At the Wildlife Biology Training Camp, students examined samples and tried professional field techniques, learning firsthand what a wildlife biologist does. The training camp was run by Colorado State University Wildlife Society members who are working toward fish, wildlife, conservation or ecology degrees.
“They get to touch things and see the different practices we do around conservation,” said Illey Wall, CSU sophomore and educational chair of the Wildlife Society. “It’s a chance to get them hyped up about it.”
Shepardson Principal Wayne Thornes said Family STEM Night is an opportunity to connect more with students and their families at a critical time when kids are deciding what they like.
“We know that kids are making decisions well before middle school about whether they like or dislike math and science, and by association, engineering and other STEM fields. We feel it is critically important to provide students with an exposure to, and get them excited and curious about, as many STEM fields as possible,” said Thornes. “We also know that getting families excited and curious plays a big role in how their kids think about STEM fields.”
Britt Mactavish’s family has participated in the annual STEM event since her daughter, a fifth grader, was in kindergarten.
“I love this. It keeps with the mission of the school and expands it to real life. The kids can see math and science examples. There are engineering opportunities and live animals,” said Mactavish. “I love watching them learn all this. You can literally see their brains expand - they learn so much.”
Becky Woodcox, the school's STEM coordinator, said the numerous presentations and wide range of topics offered show students how STEM impacts their own interests.
“You can find STEM in almost everything in our world. So, whatever your passion might be, you can make a life career out of it,” said Woodcox, adding that the expert presenters included professionals, parents, college and even high school students. “The presenters are so enthusiastic about what they share, it is impossible to not have their passion rub off on us. Students realize that with focus and hard work, they too can grow up to be meaningful contributors to solve big problems and make our world a better place to live. And they can have a great time doing it!”
