Education Everywhere — Lexi Trudeau admitted that one thing she forgot when she designed her beaver habitat to have a place where zookeepers could take care of the toothy rodents.
“I discovered that there needs to be a place where the beavers can be separated in case one is sick, or a place where they can have well checkups,” said the sixth-grader.
Lexi and her classmates at Grand Rapids Montessori Academy were among many who showcased STEAM projects and programs on Sept. 23 at John Ball Zoo’s STEAM Day.
Kent ISD hosted one of 17 stations featuring science, technology, engineering, art and math-themed activities. Their station included opportunities for students to test temperature, create buildings using various blocks, and check out a tool known as a Vernier Dynamics Track and Cart System.
Kent ISD educational consultant Wendi Vogel and educational technology consultant Sarah Wood shared about STEAM activities available through Kent ISD and other intermediate school districts.
John Ball Zoo IT Solutions Engineer Sydney Tripp said he enjoyed meeting with guests and talking about the evolution of the computer.
“It is amazing how we have gone from a large board to a small SD card,” Tripp said. “This is important because we need to reduce waste to help with climate change.”
Also hosting booths were the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Kendall College of Art and Design, Van Andel Institute for Education, GVSU’s Regional Math and Science Center and the Greater West Michigan region MiSTEM Network.
Read more from Kent ISD:
• Educators examine student perspectives on engagement, belonging
• Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon ISDs join forces to recruit and retain teachers
