STEAM Family Night Features Creative Hands-On Lessons about Engineering and Art

    SOMIS, CA, January 16, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In a showcase of its focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), Somis School will host a STEAM Family Night open to students in all grade levels, their families and the public. The event, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 22 at Somis School, 5268 North St., Somis, aims to strengthen the connections among the school, home and community in an atmosphere of rigorous hands-on learning and fun. This will be the school's third such event.

Focusing on architecture, students and their families will learn how both engineering and art combine to play an integral part of the design process. To demonstrate this, students and family will collaborate to build unique and functional architectural designs with toothpicks.

Speaker and community professional Jim Armstrong, principal and owner of J.E. Armstrong Architect, Inc., will help students identify the real-world application of the project, as well as potential career paths.

Participants will also rotate through activities in which they can build a miniature-motorized "scribble" machine that draws on its own; explore audio engineering using a virtual drum machine; and design 3-D paper art.

At the event, students will have the opportunity to learn from "near peers," as ACE High School students perform a special demonstration and STEM majors from California State University Channel Islands serve as coaches for the group activities.

"STEAM learning is vital to children at the K-8 level, because that's when we can really engage them and build a passion for science, technology, engineering, art and math. There's a great future in STEAM with jobs and opportunities. Our STEAM Nights give families and students a chance to learn in fun and creative ways, while also giving them a glimpse of STEAM careers," said Dr. Colleen Robertson, Somis School principal and Somis Union School District superintendent. "By inviting families and creating live connections with the community, we are promoting an open flow of communication and making STEAM more accessible."

STEAM Family Nights are part of the school's transformation as a STEAM-focused campus.

To encourage adults and children to be partners in learning, families who attend the STEAM Family Night series receive a passport stamp at each event. At the end of the year, families can turn in the STEAM Family Night Passport for the chance to win one of five $100 gift cards.

Those without a student at Somis School who wish to attend are requested to RSVP to Robertson at (805) 386-8258 or crobertson @somisusd.org.

The Somis Union School District oversees Somis School, which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The district's mission is to instill close-knit community spirit and values, while ensuring that education is meaningful and prepares students for the future. For more info, visit somisusd.org.

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