A celebration of STEAM at W.T. Clarke High School

W.T. Clarke Middle School and W.T. Clarke High School were transformed into a STEAM convention center during a night of interactive educational activities on March 13.

Students and families of the East Meadow School District celebrated 21st-century learning at the district’s annual STEAM Night. “STEAM” stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math.

STEAM education promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. This approach encourages students to ask questions, explore solutions, and think creatively to solve real-world problems.

Coordinated by Debra Harley, the district’s director of math and science, students in grades kindergarten through fifth had more than 30 educational activities to choose from. Along with their families, students explored the burgeoning disciplines of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Students took part in numerous activities such as learning how to code Ozobot robots to control their movements, stacking cups to see who could make the tallest tower, creating paper chains using construction paper, turning ordinary objects into instruments, constructing 2D and 3D shapes out of toothpicks and marshmallows and creating beautiful artwork using magnets and paint.

In today’s rapidly evolving career landscape, many of the fastest-growing industries require skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. STEAM education equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in these fields, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities.

More than 65 of the district’s teachers and over 50 high school student helpers planned and administered each of the evening’s events which contributed the event’s success.