How a Catholic school’s STEM fair brought science to life
Originally posted on tauntongazette.com
By Beth McDermott
Our Lady of Lourdes School recently hosted its second annual STEM Showcase, highlighting 3D printing, robotics and forensic science, according to a community announcement.
The event, held on June 10, transformed the school’s gymnasium into a journey through Taunton’s history. Students guided visitors through various stations, each representing a significant aspect of the city. The centerpiece was a scaled replica of Taunton’s center, complete with landmarks like Taunton Green, Marian Manor, First Parish Church and City Hall. A robotic car led visitors to each location, where students explained its significance.
The showcase featured a range of student projects, from hand-drawn stained glass windows by kindergartners to presentations on fingerprints, hair analysis and 3D printing by older students. The event aimed to display the students’ creativity, communication skills, historical knowledge and technical innovation.
STEM Showcase was held at Our Lady of Lourdes School.
STEM project at Our Lady of Lourdes School.
STEM Showcase attendees at Our Lady of Lourdes School
Sister Mary Catherine of the Holy Union Sisters, a former high school math and physics teacher, also attended the event. She had secured the grant funding that helped elevate the school’s STEM program. She expressed her admiration for the variety of projects and the students’ knowledge.
The event allowed each classroom to tour the exhibits and then explore them at their own pace. Younger students were particularly excited about 3D-printed “Mike Wazowskis,” robotic cars and dioramas of various ecosystems. Students in grades 3-8 showcased their pottery skills, while fourth graders explored different states.
Ellen Russell, the lead STEM teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes, has dedicated her career to instilling a love of science in students. One of the exhibits was an electric car built by students under her guidance, which competed in races in Rhode Island and Connecticut last year.
“Helping students understand how science affects almost everything we encounter and how it has changed over time have been the cornerstones of my teaching philosophy,” Russell said. “Enticing students to ask ‘why’ and ‘how’ propel them to learn through experience and subsequently better retain details and information. This event provides a platform for all students to showcase some of their proudest projects and explain what they have learned. I truly hope that this will be one of many long-lasting memories of their time at OLOL.”
Our Lady of Lourdes School is the only Catholic school in Taunton, serving children from preschool through eighth grade from Taunton and 14 surrounding towns. The school aims to provide a comprehensive education that nurtures the mind, body and soul, offering opportunities for students to explore their interests while fostering a culture of virtue as taught by Jesus Christ.