STEAM Fest This Wednesday at Pomona Middle School

SUFFERN, NY — Pomona Middle School proudly presents its kickoff “STEAM Fest” this Wednesday night, September 21, from 5:30-7pm. The event will be held at the school and is open to Pomona student and families.

STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The end results are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.

At Wednesday’s fun-filled event, the Wellcore Extended Learning Time staff at Pomona will be highlighting all things STEAM with engaging activities for the whole family. There will be a science and technology table featuring mini Chromebooks and iPads for parents to explore as well as a demo of the Sphero robotic ball. Families can watch a yoga demonstration at the yoga booth and an art demonstration at the art booth. And there will be a nutrition booth showcasing a mini lesson on sugar and snack comparisons. At 6:00 and 6:30 there will be tours to view the one of the new iMac labs and to see the 3D printer in action.

Wednesday’s event will serve as a fun way to kick off a brand new STEAM initiative at Pomona. This past spring, Wellcore sponsored professional development classes focusing on STEAM curriculum for all faculty and ELT staff and this year Wellcore plans to incorporate the following into the ELT curriculum:

• Coding: Using the Codesters platform, students will be able to create a program using Python. Students will learn how to problem solve by writing commands and learn how to debug errors.
• Architects in Action: Students will problem solve and deepen their mathematical proportional reasoning skills by designing and creating a 3-dimensional model town using card stock.
• Build an App: Using creativity, problem solving, design and technology, students will develop and build their first app and make it digital.
• Robotics: With the use of a Sphero Ball, students will learn that there is a linear relationship between time, speed, and distance. Students will program their Sphero and be given challenges to take what they've learned and program Sphero so it can complete the challenges.
• Digital Arts: Using Adobe Photoshop students will learn how to alter photos, create collages, posters, and cover art and seamlessly blend photos together.
• Engineering: Focusing on hands-on, fundamental aspects of engineering and the designed world, students will learn the Engineering Design process of “Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create and Test, and Improve.” They will collaborate to complete engineering design challenges and learn how engineering connects with core subject areas of Math, Science, ELA and Social Studies. Students will have a basic understanding about how engineering can positively impact all students, regardless of gender, nationality, poverty level or needs.

Wellcore, Inc. is a non-profit educational consulting firm specializing in health and wellness.

PHOTO/ contributed