GATES MILLS, Ohio — “We've seen a lot of kids, loving coming here and doing all the science experiments,” said St. Francis of Assisi’s PTSO STEM Chair, Michelle King.
The gym at St. Francis of Assisi, home of the Cougars, in Gates Mills is getting a workout. With kids exploring science, because it’s the school’s annual STEM Day.
“The hope is that they'll have lasting impression that these subjects can be fun and not boring. Also, a fun day for the kids,” explained King.
Making slime, experiencing virtual reality, operating simple machines, the 4th and 5th graders are discovering STEM is fun.
“I'm looking forward to doing the static electricity thing and see my hair go up and see everybody else's hair go up,” said fourth grader Haley Erickson.
“Now the kids are going nuts. I think the static ball is like their favorite and of course, the VR,” said King.
“It feels like you're in another world,” said Haley Erickson referring to VR. “And, you can like, play all these different things.”
Thanks to Mad Science of Northeast Ohio and school volunteers there were 7 different stops along student’s STEM learning journey. Including how a coin vibrates on dry ice.
“I like how the lady made George Washington technically the quarter dance on the ice,” said fourth grader Kirsten Erickson.
And add dry ice to warm water for instant carbon dioxide bubbles.
“They were kind of weird because they were cold. When you pop them, they were almost a little warm,” explained fifth grader Michaela Johnston.
For Olivia Karns and her classmates, STEM Day is something to look forward to every year, even if it just a break for the classroom.
“I really like science and I like that it's a Friday,” said fourth grader Olivia Karns.
“Yeah, it's an hour and a half off school,” said Johnston.