Student STEAM Fest: Second Year Introducing Even More Students to STEAM
The Western New York Regional Information Center continues to play a part in the growth of the Maker Faire Rochester and Student STEAM Fest; the largest STEAM event in New York state. Co-Organizer Antonio Scordo III, WNYRIC staff development coordinator, was again at the helm in planning for the 2,300 students, teachers, chaperones and class aides in attendance at the second annual Student STEAM Fest on November 22.
“The first year opened to 52 classes of students grades 3-8. This year that number increased to 84 classes and we are considering opening registration for next year to 100 classes,” Scordo said.
For the past six years WNYRIC has encouraged Scordo and other staff volunteers to man the event. This year, the RIC’s participation included a team of 20 staff members volunteering to supplement the activities with building robots, lemon juice invisible ink, egg white emulsification and yolk separation, Play-Doh squishy circuits, creating yarn art and everyone’s favorite – oobleck, the non-Newtonian substance.
Students were treated to the magic of science at an inspiring keynote performance by Mario the Maker Magician. They were also able to engage with 120 maker exhibits from operating several types of robots, making a floor-to-ceiling balloon sculpture, shooting off rockets, virtually flying a plane, to taking rides on a giant light-up unicorn, and much more.
“The kids had so much to take in when we were there. They built puppets, saw amazing LEGO creations and had the chance to build some themselves,” Cheryl Pulaski, elementary teacher at Depew Union Free School District. “The kids absolutely loved the experience. It was our first time attending this year and we are already looking forward to returning next year.”
When Scordo is not coordinating the two-day event in Rochester, he provides training on Maker Education and STEAM focused integration training on the Pilots team. He also assists districts plan for their own STEAM and maker events. Scordo is available through CSLO / Model Schools to consult at any point in the event planning process, whether it is buy-in, team organization, or floor mapping.