advertisement

District 15 hosting STEAM extravaganza April 17 in Palatine

About 3,000 young students have been invited to a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics extravaganza at a Palatine junior high school next week.

Children from six elementary schools are expected for the inaugural Palatine Township Elementary District 15 event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at Walter R. Sundling Junior High.

Interactive exhibits and activities are planned to enhance the students' interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math, commonly known as STEAM. Northern Illinois University, Girls Who Code, the Palatine Fire Department, Harper College, Fremd and Palatine high schools, defense contractor Northrup Grumman and the Museum of Science and Industry are among the scheduled participants.

Sundling Principal Jason Dietz said Thursday it's not easy to bring families into schools after hours with so many committed to sports and other activities. He said the STEAM night should be appealing with all that'll be offered and the community involvement.

"I think just bringing excitement around that, kids being able to be active as opposed to listening to maybe a lecture or parents coming in for a parent night. This is going to be more interactive so that the families can allow the kids to kind of mess around and play," Dietz said.

District 15's instructional technology coordinator, Colleen Seick, said some of the fun will include a computer coding truck from Harper, a Palatine fire mannequin, a spirograph, lasers, optical illusions and a Newton's cradle with a series of swinging spheres.

"It's going to be a very large, exciting event for our students," Seick said.

In an effort to bring as many students as possible, District 15 will offer free transportation to Sundling, 1100 N. Smith St. in Palatine, aboard six school buses.

About four months of planning has gone into the evening, Seick said. In addition to securing the participants, the District 15 planning team has had to coordinate the availability of student transportation, PTA concession sales, raffle prizes and volunteers.

Dietz said the event could become something rotated annually among District 15's four junior highs. Sundling students may visit Tuesday's STEAM evening because they attend the host school.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.