Jefferson Middle School Holds Annual Summer S.T.E.M. Program

Staff Photo by Elizabeth Lane

The 4th annual summer S.T.E.M program was held at Jefferson Middle School this week, with upcoming 4th to 8th graders participating in a program that focuses on various scientific and engineering achievements. 5th graders worked this week to find alternative and renewable energy sources by building wind turbines and solar cells; they even made solar ovens out of pizza boxes. 6th grade focused more on technology and worked on scribbler robots that follow specific coded commands and can play music. 7th and 8th graders tackled writing coding, completing modules quickly to create their own animations and games.

The staff of the S.T.E.M. program were overwhelmed at the willingness and the success of their students. They hope to expand parts of the program into JCHS and the local middle schools over the coming years. Jan Coley, the director, especially wanted to thank the Niswonger Foundation for partnering with them to help with funding. Organizers hope that students will continue to apply the skills that they have learned at home and in their further education. The S.T.E.M. program is available to students over the summer on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Staff Photo by Elizabeth Lane

Staff Photo by Elizabeth Lane