Engaging Students in STEM: A Year of Hands-On Learning

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, the EMU STEM Ed. Institute partnered with the Lincoln Middle School High Needs Resource Room to provide students with engaging, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities. Thanks to our team consisting of our director Dr. Sibrina Collins, Assistant Director Zachary Krauss, Secretary La’Quinda Williams, Graduate Assistant Josh Alarcon, Undergraduate Assistant Raj Rahman, and our volunteer Emilie Singelyn, we were able to provide experiences for these students that expose them to the world of STEM. The team visited the classroom, bringing interactive lessons that sparked curiosity and influenced understanding of STEM concepts. To further these experiences, we also conducted learning through a series of exciting field trips.

Our monthly visits– conducting activities such as circuit building, astronomy exploration, and robot driving– allowed students to dive deep into hands-on learning activities adjusted to their interests and learning styles. These experiences were further exhibited through field trips designed to connect STEM concepts with applying it to the real world. Some of the places we visited included the Ann Arbor Creature Conservancy, Imagination Station, Michigan Science Center, Belleville Flight Museum, the EMU Planetarium and more. Recognizing the importance of continuous learning, the STEM Ed. Institute was able to equip the classroom with STEM kits which ensured that students could continue exploring and experimenting within the world of STEM on days that we were not present. These kits consisted of circuit boards and other materials that expand the thinking mind to generate creativity throughout education. These kits empower the students to engage with STEM concepts regularly, motivating their learning through independent and small group activities.

Teachers have seen firsthand the impact of our visits on student engagement and comprehension. Ms. Roeder and Ms. Mikel, co-teachers of the classroom shared, "Having the EMU STEM Ed Institute visit our room was so amazing. Our kids have gotten to know and trust [them]. There are several reasons for this; our students all learn best through hands-on learning. When someone teaches them something that truly sticks, that is exciting for them. But, [they] go above and beyond to encourage students to participate. [They] teach them the vocabulary associated with the activities while playing alongside them and showing [their] joy in the work that [they] do”. Additionally they added to this sentiment, emphasizing that the EMU STEM Ed Institute visitors are "fun, engaging, flexible, quick on [their] feet to adapt to different learning styles and more!"

This year-long collaboration has not only enhanced STEM education in the classroom but has also fostered lasting enthusiasm for interest with learning in STEM among students. We look forward to continuing our work with educators and students, ensuring that STEM remains an accessible and exciting subject for all.