Bourne Public Schools Hosts Successful 3rd Annual STEAMPosium

BOURNE – Bourne Public Schools hosted a highly successful 3rd annual STEAMPosium event last week at the Bourne Intermediate School where students got to take part in a variety of fun activities and games while learning about STEAM-based topics.

Each year, the annual STEAMPosium event features a variety of hands-on activity stations for students and their families to enjoy. The goal of the evening is to promote interest in various topics in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. BPS staff and volunteers promote an understanding of how all of these subject areas can be connected.

Organized by PreK-5 Curriculum Director Lisa Dix and elementary STEAM teachers Antonia Perry and Sherri Correia, the big-top circus-themed night entertained more than 300 student participants and their families, while highlighting the interconnectedness of STEAM. 

“Once again the STEAMPosium did not disappoint, as we saw a record number of families in attendance,” said Bourne Intermediate Principal Jane Norton.

Throughout the night, families made their way through a maze of activities. Activities included elementary student-made math and midway games, as well as engineering design and creative arts stations staffed by Bournedale and Bourne Intermediate teachers and support personnel.

Grade 7 science teachers Eve Vidito and Sarah Lavoie demonstrated magnetism and static charge at their station, while their colleagues Marissa Parrish and Shaunna Aflague led students through virtual reality adventures. 

Curriculum Director Dix, reflecting on the night’s success, said “This event has quickly become a student favorite.” “I had a student tell me, ‘This was so fun. I wish we had this (night) every week.’”

Grade 6 science teacher Olivia Rauss demonstrated a high-resolution microscope, while Bourne High School students from Aimee Jarominski’s AP Biology and Anatomy and Physiology classes showed their younger peers how to pipette using colored water, how to assemble show anatomical models and how to measure CO2 production with Vernier probes.

“Teachers and students from Bourne Middle School and Bourne High School joined this year’s STEAMPosium resulting in a real sense of unity,” said Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Dr. Barbara Starkie. “They took over parts of the ‘big top’ in support of the importance of STEAM education from Pre-K to graduation.”

Superintendent Quinlan-Zhou, Pre-K-5 Curriculum Director Dix, teacher Perry, and teacher Correia thank the Bourne PTA for volunteering their time and equipment, as well as the many staff and students who contributed to the night’s success.

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