This summer, students across grade levels had the opportunity to dive into exciting STEAM experiences that blended Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math with hands-on learning, creativity, and collaboration.

Middle School STEAM: Exploring Forces, Energy, and Innovation

Middle school students spent dedicated academic time exploring STEAM concepts with Concord Teacher Heather Burt and Burke Town School Teacher Dale Guisinger. This year’s focus was on forces and energy, giving students the chance to investigate scientific ideas through engaging, hands-on challenges.

Students began by exploring magnetic energy and experiencing the forces of attraction and repulsion through interactive games and activities. They then put their engineering skills to work by designing structures that challenged them to make a paperclip float in midair using magnetic forces.

As students continued their exploration of energy, they experimented with elastic energy by building paper tube launchers and creating rubber band-powered boats and cars. After mastering the mechanics of elastic energy, students advanced to electrical energy by adding motors to their designs. In the final week of camp, students built circuits that allowed them to add lights to their cars and boats or create illuminated paper cards with hidden circuits built into their designs.

Throughout the summer, students strengthened important transferable skills by redesigning, testing, and improving their projects. Through trial and error, they practiced perseverance, creativity, and problem-solving as they worked toward solutions.

Art and Creative Expression

Each middle school student also participated in a weekly art class led by Concord Art Teacher Kris Huntington. Students explored a variety of artistic styles and techniques while developing their creativity and personal expression.

Projects included Cubist faces inspired by Pablo Picasso, candy cartoons, silly food drawings, drip art inspired by Jen Stark, reverse perspective Op-Art, and geometric pattern designs. These projects encouraged students to experiment with new ideas while building confidence as artists.

Makerspace: Building, Coding, and Creating

Students in grades 5–8 had additional opportunities to practice STEAM skills during afternoon enrichment activities. Many students participated in Makerspace, an on-campus program led by KESD Teacher Ann Guilmette and staff from WMSI (White Mountain Science Inc.).

In Makerspace, students applied STEM concepts through a wide range of activities, including crafting, coding, robotics, and creative design challenges. Students learned to think like engineers and innovators as they built, tested, and improved their creations.

Elementary STEAM Exploration

Younger students also had opportunities to explore STEAM concepts throughout the summer. LTS Teacher Julie Clements guided students in grades 1–4 through afternoon Tinkering activities and morning art classes.

Students experimented with construction using a variety of materials, explored simple machines, and had opportunities to invent, innovate, and create. Art activities incorporated science concepts, helping students see the connections between creativity and discovery.

Supporting Hands-On Learning

All STEAM supplies and WMSI instructor fees were made possible through funding from the Vermont Afterschool grant. This support allowed students to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and a love of discovery.

From engineering challenges and circuits to art exploration and creative invention, this summer’s STEAM programming gave students the opportunity to explore, create, and grow as thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators.