Sea Cliff Steam Fair 2018

Sea Cliff S.T.E.A.M. Fair Exhibits A Passion For Learning

On Tuesday, May 8th, Sea Cliff students showcased their science, technology, engineering, art, and math knowledge in the 2018 S.T.E.A.M Fair. In a symposium format, students displayed and presented their projects for the entire school to see! After-school, parents and guests were invited to explore the uniquely innovative student work.

Students in grades K - 3 presented Shoebox Science projects to their peers and performed a wide-range of experiments involving chemical reactions, Newton’s Laws of Motion, and plant biology. Sea Cliff’s fourth graders created complex, multi-step math word problems, which they presented to older students to challenge their creative and critical thinking skills. Fifth grade students proudly displayed and presented engaging, interest-based science fair projects and shared their experimental data with students and faculty.

In addition, students in grades K – 5 had their artwork displayed around the building.  They participated in art walks during the day and parents had the opportunity to see the art after school.  Students discussed the decision making process of artists and why art is an important part of S.T.E.A.M.  They made many connections between art and the other subject areas connected to their learning. 

Artifacts and prototypes from students’ engineering work in the S.T.E.A.M. Lab were on display in the library.  Projects included: musical instruments made from recycled materials (first grade), helmets to protect water balloons (second grade), anemometers that measure wind speed (third grade), models of earthquake-resistant structures (fourth grade), and sculptural pieces inspired by microscopic observations of common objects and specimens (fifth grade).

Students were truly engaged in S.T.E.A.M related experiences throughout the day. Principal Chris Zublionis commented, “The building became a virtual museum and the multiple components that all students experienced, stimulated their curiosity and wonder. 

After the Fair, students reflected on SVO connections and new learning. Fifth grader, Aaryan Vira, added, “The SVOs connect to my work because I really had to think to make sure I was telling another person my information in a way they could understand.”

Article provided by teachers Lisa Giurlanda, Adrien Kaye, and Diane Krupin
Photos by Shelly Newman