SJE will display S.T.E.A.M. works tonight

St. John/Endicott High School will display student work at a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) event tonight from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the St. John High School cafeteria.

The event promises an exhibition for the whole family with activities and demonstrations for all ages.

“I’m hoping it will be a wonderful night,” said Superintendent Suzanne Schmick.

Principal Mark Purvine said a lot of work has gone into preparing for this night.

“Really what we have is just kind of a family night with activities around science, art and engineering, with some math thrown in,” Purvine said.

He said the science portions will offer opportunities for all to get involved.

“There will be experiments that people will do as demonstrations on site, and they will be interactive, so the little ones will be able to get in and mix things up and make a mess together,” Purvine said.

He added that there will be art on display and for sale as well.

“And we’ll be doing some art, too,” he said. “People will be able to get in and play with some actual media.” Purvine noted that there will be two wheels which people can use to make pottery.

A 3-D printer will also be there. Art teacher Travis Echanove received a grant from Hagen Family Foundation in November for the printer.

“They were kind enough to award him those resources to purchase that,” Purvine said. “We have that in place now and will have that on display and kicking out a few items.”

Echanove, science teacher Rae Maloney, ag teacher Bob Clements and math teacher Kyle Schultheis have been the teachers involved in putting the event together and helping the students to prepare for it, Purvine said, adding that the students have worked hard.

“I think the kids are excited about it,” he said. “They’re learning a lot in the process.”

Purvine said he is excited to see the projects and see the involvement of the community and younger students.

“I think when the younger kids get in and see this stuff, they’ll be excited, too,” he said.

Purvine also promised a few things, without giving away too many details: color, movement and mess.

“That kind of thing,” he said.

He said this is a great opportunity to market S.T.E.A.M. education.

“It is definitely an effort to expand awareness and interest in things S.T.E.A.M. and develop a formalized approach to S.T.E.A.M. education,” he said. “We’re excited for this fresh new approach to getting folks in and seeking what our kids are up to.”

The event is free and open to the public.