In a recent collaborative effort to spark interest in the sciences and arts among the young, Woodcrest Elementary School partnered with tech giant Intel for the "STEAMing Through the Snow" event. The initiative saw Intel professionals from diverse fields, including IT, environmental science, and engineering, come together to mentor and engage with students from kindergarten through fifth grade. This educational endeavor took place during Woodcrest’s winter intercession—a segment of the Columbus City Schools' unique year-round curriculum, which specifically carves out time for such interactive learning experiences.
Woodcrest, celebrated for its year-round academic schedule, utilizes intercessions to fully explore hands-on activities that may otherwise be relegated to the periphery of regular curricula. According to a statement obtained by Columbus City Schools, approximately 125 Woodcrest students had the chance to see science in action. At one station, they learned how to build geometric structures collectively, at another, they dribbled basketballs to understand gravity; at a further station, they even discovered how sand becomes silicon for Intel semiconductors.
One story of success from the event comes from third-grader Brandon Franklin, who expressed his newfound understanding of persistence upon completing an electronic circuit and triggering an alarm. “It taught me to just keep trying and trying until it works,” Franklin said via the Columbus City School website. His experience is indicative of the event's broader aim: not only to impart knowledge but also to inspire the problem-solving spirit that STEAM education champions.
Principal Yolanda Cooper articulated the day's achievements, affirming the significance of direct engagement with real-world applications in these educational fields. "This collaboration aims to leave students with a memorable, impactful experience that highlights the real-world applications of STEM and encourages their continued exploration of these fields,” Cooper told Columbus City Schools. Beyond academics, students also engaged in the ubiquitous world of gaming, particularly mining and engineering in Minecraft, thus demonstrating the versatility and pervasiveness of STEAM concepts in various aspects of life—even in play.
