Our 3rd graders partnered with the Nashville Zoo for an investigation of animal adaptations and requirements for an animal to be in a zoo.
This grant provided our PK-5th grade students the opportunity to plan, plant, and maintain cool-season lettuce beds in our school's existing prayer garden.
Katie Melvin from NewsChannel5 delivered an engaging presentation on "Earth's Atmosphere and Weather," sharing insights from her exciting career in STEAM.
One way our school engages a diverse network of community partners and stakeholders is through our annual STEAM Career Fair. This is an afternoon event designed to expose students to a variety of professions, giving them valuable insights into different career paths and the chance for meaningful discussions with professionals from various fields. We believe that by understanding the diversity of opportunities available, our students will gain inspiration and motivation for their future endeavors. During the Career Fair, our middle school students have the chance to interact with professionals from a range of fields, including but not limited to medicine, engineering, finance, communications, business, the arts, and technology. Our guest speakers share firsthand stories about career pathways, educational requirements, job responsibilities, and personal experiences. Our goal is to broaden their horizons and help them make more informed career decisions. As a follow-up, students completed a reflection form to help them make meaning of this learning experience.
Our 7th grade students recently visited HASTINGS Architecture Firm in downtown Nashville, a nationally recognized practice ranked #3 in the United States by the Journal of the American Institute of Architects. Mr. Nathan Buck began the tour by sharing the history of the building and explaining how the integrity of the original architecture was intentionally preserved through remodels. He discussed the use and value of 3D printing, highlighting how vivid 3D models not only save time and costs but also bring designs to life, making it easier to adapt them to clients' needs. Mr. Buck emphasized that 3D printing has been transformative for architects, providing a tangible representation of projects during the planning phase.
The students toured the facility and learned about the firm's projects, including Geodis Park. This partnership and invaluable learning experience empowered our students to understand the importance of creative thinking and problem-solving, both independently and collaboratively.
A group of seniors participated in a workshop and research study survey at the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at a local university. The workshop included a hands-on, non-sterile compounding activity in the pharmacy lab, where students made hand sanitizer and lip balm. They also toured the on-campus pharmacy at Belmont University where they met the staff pharmacist and interacted with pharmacy students. During the visit, they learned about various medical resources and the proper disposal of prescription medications. This experience gave students a deeper understanding of the pharmacy profession, helping them explore whether a career in pharmacy or medicine might be a good fit for their future in STEAM.
A few of our high school students participated in a week-long science camp at Belmont University, where they explored the paths to careers in science and engineering. Guided by physics professors, the students engaged in hands-on learning, using a toy car as a model to delve into experimental design, measurement, theoretical concepts, computer simulation, data analysis, and scientific presentation. The camp provided an immersive experience that offered students a practical glimpse into what it takes to pursue a future in science or engineering.
Our Anatomy Honors students had the unique opportunity to tour Belmont University and participate in a dissection lab led by Belmont professors. These immersive experiences provide students with a firsthand glimpse into higher education while engaging them in hands-on labs that deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and enhance their enthusiasm for learning.