Southampton Road School Sparks Creativity with Community‑Powered STEM Night
The school’s second annual STEM evening welcomed third- and fourth-graders, their siblings, and curious parents for a vibrant showcase of science and art. The event was made possible through a partnership with the Jandon Center for Community Engagement at Smith College, which began two years ago thanks to a parent who works there.
Robotics Club Highlights
For the past two autumns, students have joined a robotics club run by Smith College students through the Center’s Outreach Initiative.
- First year: Participants guided Lego MindStorm robots through a maze.
- This fall: They programmed the robots to roll balls into target baskets.
The robotics team brought their machines to the evening, letting everyone try a “diner dash” game where robots moved mock food items between tables. Seamus Golen, a nine‑year‑old who attended with his grandmother, said the club was “really fun” and praised the coding activities.
Science Stations
- Telescopes & Nature Displays: The Center supplied telescopes and magnifying‑glass displays of nature samples.
- Talk by Hannah Gates: Staff member Hannah Gates explained what the students were observing.
- Play‑Doh Chemistry: Parent Eric Babci presented the ingredients used to make Play‑Doh, explained its chemistry, and showed a video of the manufacturing process. He added that leftover Play‑Doh is donated to local farms for animals.
Hands‑On Experiments
- Fabric Stitching
- Makey Makey Banana Piano
- Magnetic Tile Marble Runs: Built by parents and children together.
On the school’s own table, a giant Connect 4 game and drawing stations kept kids busy while adults discussed how the program supports learning across engineering, public health, and education.
Leadership Praise
Principal Kate Ritchie and STEM teacher Jessica Hanson praised the Jandon Center as “great role models for young girls” and expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting that it enriches the school’s STEM offerings and fosters a community of curious learners.
