Pelican's Nest
Science + Art = Critical Thinkers
“Whether today’s students go on to be artists, doctors, or politicians, we know that challenges their generation faces will demand creative solutions. We should fully expect that, in the coming decades, many of our best leaders will come from art and design backgrounds.” John Meada, Former President, Rhode Island School of Design and leader in the STEAM movement.
On any given day during the school year, visitors to Fairhope’s five schools can feel the energy of STEAM, a movement embraced by FEEF, integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. At Fairhope Intermediate and J. Larry Newton Schools, goggle-clad, young scientists create robotic arms or dissect a starfish while examining both its scientific and natural design properties. Fairhope Middle and Fairhope High School students integrate math, science (think sound waves) and technology into theater, marching band, guitar and piano labs. Likewise, for engineering students, art and design are important components of building a competitive moon buggy or downhill racer. In the art room at Fairhope Elementary School, Fairhope’s youngest students learn about Henri Matisse and hone their math skills by working with organic fibers and shapes.
More than filling in the gaps, FEEF is opening a world of opportunities for Fairhope students. These programs would not be successful without your help.
The Pelican’s Nest Science Lab
FEEF’s signature project, The Pelican’s Nest Science Lab, continues to be a mainstay in teaching Baldwin County public school children about the local environment and watershed. Director Kacie Hardman has added new STEM curriculum for intermediate age children.