OLL STEM Open House
Our Lady of the Lake School hosted a STEM showcase in October, that was a hit with students, families and visitors. Every classroom in the school featured exhibits, presentations and demonstrations showcasing the work the students have been doing in science, technology, engineering and math, with a focus on clean water. From models of water sheds to desalination, the water treatment process to environmental stewardship, the students dug deep to learn about water as a resource, and the science and technology surrounding it.
Lessons included visits to Lake Erie and to water treatment plants, research on global resources and on innovations happening in our own backyard. The 8th grade tested hypotheses about environmental factors influencing pollution run-off. The second grade learned that 900 million people around the world don’t have access to clean water. When they realized that number was too large to even understand, they set out to show what one million looks like – by putting one million dots on paper and covering the entire school gym.
“The visual impact of these displays,” said one parent, “and the excitement you can see in the kids about these projects – this is an amazing event.” Another parent was struck by peer learning, as different grades visited each other’s classrooms. And while the students’ work was impressive, so was the support from the community. The line stretched out the door for both the morning and afternoon showcases, and the students were amazed by the number of people who turned out to share in their work and support them. More help also came from VASJ students, who helped install the exhibit in the gym. Thanks to the support of teachers, families and community, Our Lady of the Lake students had a tremendous opportunity to experience deep, engaged learning during a very successful STEM Week.