Online Academy Students Get Scientific at STEAMFest Clowns, knights, superheroes and more flocked to Online Academy’s campus on October 29, for the school’s first-ever STEAMfest! Invited to dress up, students arrived in waves, excitedly taking on a courtyard full of activities. STEAMFest was designed by Online Academy to give students an opportunity to practice scientific thinking and problem solving through a variety of interactive, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities where students were encouraged to think outside the box. STEAM is a variation of STEM with an additional emphasis on the artistic and creative thinking needed for innovation. According to the California Department of Education, California leads the world in STEM education, and it is through this training that students acquire the tools
necessary to “go on to fill the critical pipeline of engineers, scientists, and innovators so essential to the future of California and the nation.”1 Developing these skills not only prepares students for future careers, but also helps students think creatively and analytically when solving problems in everyday life. STEAMfest projects included: a slime station where students mixed components to create a substance that can behave like a solid or a liquid, also known as a non-Newtonian fluid; a project to create a catapult using just a spoon, popsicle sticks, and rubber bands; a pom-pom launcher station and more! There were many “oohs” and “aahs” as students worked their way through the activities, though the crowd favorite seemed to be an engineering project where students were
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“If students are given such opportunities to practice using their particular genius to solve problems, they will build the life skills necessary for future success.” challenged to create a sound structure using uncooked spaghetti noodles and mini marshmallows. With concentrated faces and limited time, students creatively and carefully engineered their noodle structures to stand as tall as possible. “Online Academy’s STEAMFest provided teacher-created opportunities for students to collaborate with others and combine their creativity with critical-thinking skills in order to tackle challenges,” stated Online Academy teacher, Tammy Dunbar. “If students are given such opportunities to practice using their particular genius to solve problems, they will build the life skills necessary for future success.”
Overall, the event was a hit with students and staff! “STEAMFest was our first major on campus event and had an excellent turn out. Due to its success, our leadership team is working on a spring event,” stated Online Academy Principal, Christie Newman.
1 California Department of Education
MUSD Online Academy is a K-8 public school of choice, meaning parents must optin for their students to be enrolled. At Online Academy students learn remotely and are taught by professional and certificated educators. The school’s use of 21st century tools and techniques help to offer an accessible, flexible, and safe learning environment for students. In line with MUSD’s vision, Principal Christie Newman stated, “We believe every student should be given access to achieve grade level standards, feel safe, and supported to realize individual success in a learning environment that best meets
student needs”
