WEST COLUMBIA, SC – Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics were front and center in a night of learning and activities for Lexington Two’s K-5 families.
Roughly 160 district families registered to attend the recent Lexington Two K-5 STEM Night, which showcased STEMscopes, the new K-8 science curriculum, as well as math and technology resources through a variety of hands-on activities. Those included engineering challenges related to behavior of light, transfer of energy, electric and magnetic forces, animal and plant dependence, and parts of animals. Many of the lessons were demonstrated by Lexington Two teachers.
Several district partners, among them Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, EdVenture Children’s Museum, and Camp Discovery, also hosted breakout STEM-related activities for district families.
Morgan Freeck, the district’s K-12 Science, PE & Health coordinator, said STEM exposure through events like this is important.
“By nature, STEM lessons engage students in non-traditional ways and empower students to ask questions, experiment, and try to find new ways to solve problems,” Freeck said. “STEM coursework challenges students to think critically, create solutions, collaborate with others, and apply learned skills. Students who receive a quality STEM education are primed to become the next generation of innovators.”
Science breakout rooms were hosted by Cameron Beeler (SRAA), Veronica Evans (Congaree), Paula Miller (Springdale), Sarah Sorrells (Wood), Kendall Skelton (Riverbank), and Lorri Wood (Congaree) for helping host our science breakout rooms.
Math activities and centers were made available by our K-12 District Math Coordinator, Jennifer Wise.
Technology activities were made available by our District Technology Coaches, Drs. Janet Dedmon and Bridgett Wolfe.
District interpreters were available to offer support to families in order to have an inclusive learning opportunity with the help of Denise Quickel, the Director of Bilingual and ESOL Education. Paola Adams, Thomas Edwards, Elsa Garay, and Bob Moore served as our district interpreters during the event.
A special thank you, too, to the event’s student volunteers.
The event was held at the Lexington Two Innovation Center.