Family STEAM Night was a student-led event where community members learned about and participated in a variety of activities that connect Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. The curriculum and technologies that are explored within the TinkerLab of the Lower School at GA were highlighted primarily, but it was also an opportunity to collaborate and show the vertical integration of programming across the Middle and Upper grades.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Innovation Leadership students met every Tuesday during lunch and recess to explore individual interests in the TinkerLab. Eventually, students honed in on areas of special interest, developing their own lessons and presentations to be shared with others. Activities included virtual reality goggles, Ozobot robotics, Bee-Bot robotics, Dash robotics, gumdrop dome towers, 3Doodler designs, Brick-it Lego designs, Magnetic Blocks Challenge builds, magnetic slime, Glowforge laser cutting, Makerbot 3D printing, wearable circuits, and marble runs. With the help of Uppers Schoolers, younger students were able to create Binary Code Bracelets, while the Middle School Robotics teams led Lego Robotics. 

When students who were once participants in Lower School leadership roles return to support programs like this as Middle and Upper Schoolers, it creates a positive cycle of mentorship and inspiration. It shows that they have developed a genuine interest and enjoyment of STEAM activities that they want to share with others. This not only fosters a sense of community and collaboration within the school, but also encourages younger students to follow in their footsteps. 

“I believe these young student leaders gained a tremendous amount of experience when planning for an event like Family STEAM Night,” Makerspace/Tinkerlab Coordinator, Co-Director Art Across the Academy, PK-12 STEAM Coordinator, LS Art Department Coordinator/Teacher Jessica Grisafi said. “They learned responsibility through the process of thinking through and planning out their lessons. They developed their communication skills through delivering their knowledge to peers, teachers, and parents. They built confidence through stepping out of their comfort zone and taking charge of situations. They enhanced problem solving skills when those situations didn't always go as planned and they needed to pivot, or rethink situations. There was also space for students to foster empathy and cooperation, working with and appreciating different perspectives. Overall, these leadership experiences can be transformative for our youth. It helps them to build on the confidence and involvement that will enable them to pursue the opportunities and challenges of the future.

I'm incredibly proud of the dedication and exceptional leadership shown by our students, who brought boundless energy to Family STEAM Night with their passionate presentations. A heartfelt thank you extends to every student, faculty volunteer, and participating family whose collective effort made the night a success.”

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