Kicking off STEAM's in-person classes with a successful summer program

Astra Tulac and Angelina Ma

​During two weeks in June, our high school volunteers organized and hosted STEAM Team's very first in-person summer program. The program consisted of two weeklong sessions, where students grades 2nd-6th attended daily morning workshops with interactive lessons and projects. Continue reading to see some of our proud successes and star students.

Students started off each day with a slides-based lesson, followed by an application of the lesson to a hands-on activity. Above, a student from our Week 1 2nd-3rd grade class uses Oreos to demonstrate the different phases of the moon. Below, a student from our week 2 4th-6th grade class observes a chemical reaction containing oil, water, and an Alka-Seltzer tablet.

Although each project is independently worked on, students are constantly surrounded by supportive teachers and classmates.

Week 1 4th-6th grade students busy at work creating DNA Models out of candy and filling out their STEAM Worksheets

After the first lesson and activity and an outdoor break, our students participate in a second lesson and activity before they return home. 

Pictured on the left is a student from our Week 2 2nd-3rd grade class experimenting with his model lung after learning about the anatomy and function of the human lung. As pictured on the right, students from the Week 2 4th-6th grade class pose in front of their paper roller coaster. In this activity, students used trial and error and their knowledge about forces to learn about the scientific method.
On both Thursdays, we received a special visit from UCLA Rocket Project, a college organization dedicated to rocket science. Students learned about the structure of rockets and the forces involved in the launching process. Then, students created their own rockets and launched them outdoors.

Above: photos from rocket day. Students designed rockets using PVC pipes and paper, then launched them outdoors with soda bottle launchers.

Week 1 2nd-3rd grade class

Week 2 4th-6th grade class

To wrap up the week, all classes participated in a STEAM T-shirt signing and group photo event during their outdoor break time.

We'd like to deliver a special thank you to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Los Altos* for lending us their space. Additionally, thank you to all of our students, parents, volunteers, and donors, who contributed to making the 2021 STEAM Team Summer Program a success!

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*although we borrowed a church space, we are not affiliated with any religious organizations.