Hillcrest HS Hosts STEM Night

Hillcrest High School recently hosted its 3rd Annual Family S.T.E.M. night. S.T.E.M stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Every year this event gets bigger and better! An amazing crowd of over 200 people filled the cafeteria and the Instructional Media Center (IMC) to partake in the activities.

An exciting addition to the program this year was to have our students collaborate with Prairie Hills School District 144 STEM and IMSA program students. Thirty-three students and seven teachers were chauffeured to Hillcrest in the “Hawks” bus to participate in the festivities.

The entire science department participated by having their students host/lead various labs, experiments, and activities. Several teachers brought their families to participate in the experience.

Students and parents worked together to view and participate in exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Several members of Key Club volunteered their time to work throughout the different stations. Some of the activities that were present at STEM Night were: Lego cars (hosted by Hillcrest’s Operation Teen Safe Driving Team (OTSD) to help students build Lego cars and presented on the science behind car accidents, which alerted families to the dangers of car accidents and promoted the message of “Stay Alive Don’t Text & Drive.” Also, there was a blind folded sensory lab, a giant trebuchet, snap circuit electricity units, DNA extraction, dissections, rides on a giant sea-saw, several chemistry demonstrations, and of course the crowd favorite, Mr. Jim Nesci was back with his reptiles, including his North American Alligator. The Boy Scouts of America also presented their robotics program for teenagers.

“It was educational and enjoyable to spend my evening at Hillcrest working on cool projects. I enjoyed creating ice cream and building an alarm,” stated Hillcrest student Jordan Deans. “The night was a huge success! All of the activities were student led and hands-on. The science department is commended for their leadership, team work, and dedication to our students, community and school,” stated Mr. Terrence Simmons, Assistant Principal Hillcrest High School.

To find out more information on Hillcrest High School and their growing STEM night contact Mr. Simmons at Tsimmons@bhsd228.com.