Annually TrueNorth’s Out-of-School Time Programs host their STEAM Challenge, a day full of projects, exhibits and, yes…challenges, surrounding Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics.
This year’s event, held at Hesperia Community Schools, focused on the theme — "There's a superhero in everyone!” Approximately 135 students from 13 different Project FOCUS and Project FOCUS Rural Grit sites gathered, along with 115 community members, for a day full of superhero-themed activities, contests, surprises and more.
For the Main Challenge, groups of up to five students were to create an original superhero character and provide a visual representation of them. Their hero had to have a unique name, powers or abilities and a clear purpose.
“We hadn’t done a superhero theme before, and we got to design and build our own shields and heroes. As a team, we saved the day, so we were the heroes rather than the ones learning about them,” stated Eliel Lopez, an 8th grade student from Hart Middle School.
Students also entered their creative creations into the open art competition and the 3D art challenges, where students were directed to create a superhero shield. They had to include a one-dimensional “blueprint” of their design and had to follow strict rules on size and construction materials.
“Bringing students together for the STEAM Challenge is very important to our program, as it creates opportunities for kids to connect, collaborate and learn from one another,” Hart Middle School Site Coordinator Kelly Pascavis said. “It encourages teamwork, creativity and problem-solving through hands-on activities. Events like this strengthen relationships between schools and show students that learning, innovation and working together can make a positive impact.”
