Hancock County Extension turns summer school into hands-on STEM adventure
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NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. -- Twenty-one kindergarten through second-grade students traded traditional summer school activities for three days of hands-on science, health, and discovery during Hancock County WVU Extension's Summer School Take-Over, held Aug. 3-5 at A.T. Allison Elementary School.
The program was created as an alternative to Hancock County Extension's traditional overnight STEM Camp and transformed summer school into a Cloverbud STEM Camp for young learners. The partnership also provided regular summer schoolteachers with dedicated time to plan and prepare their instructional programming while students participated in hands-on activities led by Extension educators and interns.
Each day combined a STEAM-focused activity with a health, science, or wellness experience, giving students opportunities to learn through experimentation, movement, creativity, and exploration.
On the first day, students explored plant and soil science through Grass Heads/Soil Sam, learning what plants need to grow before planting grass seeds and creating their own decorated grass heads. Students also participated in The Germs Stop Here!, where they learned proper handwashing techniques. Using germ simulation lotion and a GlitterBug, students were able to see areas of their hands where germs could remain if they did not wash thoroughly.
Tuesday focused on nutrition and the science of light. During Eat the Rainbow, students explored the benefits of eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and had the opportunity to try new foods. Students then used diffraction glasses to explore light and discover how white light can be separated into the colors of the rainbow.
The final day combined physical activity, nutrition, engineering, and physics. Students used a bicycle-powered blender to make smoothies during Blender Bike Smoothies, learning how physical movement can be transformed into energy while reinforcing healthy lifestyle concepts. They finished the program with Stomp Rockets, experimenting with force, motion, and engineering as they designed and launched rockets.
The program brought together students from Weirton Elementary, A.T. Allison Elementary, and New Manchester Elementary, including six kindergarten students, seven first-grade students, and eight second-grade students.
The hands-on nature of the program was also evident in students' written responses. Stomp Rockets, Blender Bikes, and Grass Heads/Soil Sam were among the activities most frequently identified as favorites. Students described learning about plant growth, healthy foods, germs and handwashing, light and color, smoothies, and rocket design.
For Extension educators, the program demonstrated the value of bringing experiential learning directly into the summer school environment.
"Through the Summer School Take-Over, students were able to experience science and health concepts in ways that were active, creative, and meaningful," said Zachary White, Hancock County WVU Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent. "The goal was not only to teach students something new, but to help them see that science can be something they can explore and enjoy."
The program was led by White and Jason Rine of WVU Extension, with assistance from Hancock County Extension interns Owen Purcell and Parker Boyce.
By combining STEM education, health and wellness, and hands-on exploration, the Summer School Take-Over provided young students with an engaging summer learning experience while supporting the needs of local educators and strengthening the partnership between Hancock County WVU Extension and Hancock County schools.
(Submitted Material)