When new principal Uche Ngoddy arrived at Oakley Elementary School in 2022, she wanted to create a Science Technology Engineering Art Mathematics (STEAM) culture for her students, their families and the community. Collaborating with math coach Marissa North, her idea, STEAMTOPIA, was born. STEAMTOPIA, a carnival-style event, brought a lively combination of learning and fun.
Even the youngest Oakley students joined in on the excitement with their own activities.
"Kindergarteners did an activity involving motion and magnetism where they used magnets to move around different coloring tools to make a piece of art," North shared.
Other events included a mock fossil dig, Lego robotics, visits from a petting zoo, gaming truck, Plantlanta, Bear Creek Nature Center, and the Alliance Theater. The event also incorporated agricultural initiatives.
"Agriculture is a huge part of our STEAM initiative, and it was really important for us to introduce parents and community members to what we're doing," Ngoddy said. "Students and community members saw a lot of different things while they were here. They were able to tour our campus. We really wanted to use our entire school space."
During the last hour of STEAMTOPIA, The Science Guy from "Science for Everyone" put on a show in the cafeteria. It was a great way to end the day.
"This was our version of a fall festival," Ngoddy said. "It gave our families an opportunity to learn alongside their students."
Original source can be found here
Alerts Sign-up