Denham Springs Elementary Hosts STEM Day
Denham Springs, La. – Students at Denham Springs Elementary recently enjoyed a day of hands-on activities and games in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math as part of the school’s effort to create greater awareness and learning of STEM concepts.
“Hands-on STEM programs and activities do more than teach science and mathematics concepts, they help our students discover applications and spark their creativity,” said Denham Springs Elementary Principal Bridget Castille.
She said the teachers on her campus include STEM concepts and learning activities in their daily lessons, but they felt a school day dedicated to the subject would be a fun way to help emphasize the importance of the subject matter.
Castille noted that STEM education looks different for elementary students than it does for college, high school, or even middle school students.
While elementary students might work on simple engineering design projects, the main goal is not to prepare them to become professional engineers, although more students may become interested in those careers as a result. Rather, an elementary STEM curriculum aims to help students develop basic skills that apply to many parts of life, not just technology and engineering careers.
“STEM projects provide unique opportunities for students to practice critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration, among other skills,” she said. “STEM is intended to give students a solid foundation for future learning,” Castille said.
“We are excited about the success of our STEM Day, and we hope to incorporate new, fun learning activities in our school year,” Castille added.
Castille noted that students from the Denham Springs Junior High School STEM Club assisted with the day’s activities.
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Denham Springs Junior High’s Davin Lea, a member of the DSJH STEM Club, volunteers his time to help with the DSE STEM Day. He is helping elementary students Tatiana Bolden and Kingston Blackwell construct homes that could withstand the “Big Bad Wolf’s” terrible blow, as told in the story of The Three Little Pigs. |
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Denham Springs Elementary students Tucker Chalette and Easton Jarrell demonstrate their coding abilities using robotic Legos to LPPS Supervisor of Assessment and Accountability Kelly LaBauve. |
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During STEM Day at her school, Denham Springs Elementary Student Reagan Blaney works independently to make a sound source to help cheer on a team. |
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Denham Springs Elementary Teacher Alli Miller works with her student, Tucker Penalber, during DSE STEM Day to create a shelter to keep animals safe from floods, heavy rains, and other inclement weather. |