Approximately 200 kindergarten through eighth-grade students and their families in the district took part in a special Behind the Scenes with STEAM Expo on Jan. 11 at Elwood Middle School. Sponsored by the Elwood Booster Club and PTA, the after school event allowed students to participate in engaging activities and workshops based on popular movies.

Director of Math, Science and Technology Eileen Kelly-Gorman and instructional technology specialist Krista Albrecht coordinated the event for students to explore and learn. Many teachers and administrators volunteered their time to make the night a success.

"We believe getting students involved in STEAM at a young age is vital in preparing them to be able to think critically and problem solve,” said Ms. Kelly-Gorman. “To have 200 students choose to return to school for three hours on a Wednesday afternoon to engage in STEAM learning was an incredible accomplishment for us.”  

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert greeted those in attendance while Elwood-John H. Glenn High School students also assisted with the activities.

Students and their family members traveled to various rooms in the building to explore and create lightsabers, balloon rockets, a Baymax origami figure, a piano made with common objects and more. The Elwood Public Library was also present to lead a green screen photography activity.

"We were so excited about the incredible turnout,” said Ms. Albrecht. “It was a wonderful way to encourage families to learn and explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics together. Our goal is to really encourage conversation and shared learning."