Celina K-8 is partnering with Tennessee Tech to host its first-ever STEM Night Thursday.
Celina K-8 Principal David Maxfield said STEM Night will feature several activities like Lego and robotic stations. Maxfield said his English Language Arts team put together the night as a way to increase parent engagement.
“We thought well you know this would be great of leaning more towards the science area, I guess with the circuits and the things that we will have tomorrow night and what not, but this is just a great opportunity to still do public relations with our community and do something fun with our students,” Maxfield said.
Maxfield said students will learn about the night sky and constellations as Tennessee Tech will be bringing a planetarium. Maxfield said the planetarium is what many people are looking forward to experiencing.
“We borrowed one several years ago and our students just loved it, it was very enjoyable for them and the teachers too,” Maxfield said. “Many of them haven’t experienced anything like that, so it’s a good learning event for all of them, and I think that’s what it will be tomorrow night for not just our students but the parents as well because they will be able to go in there with them and take part in this and I think this will be great all the way around.”
Maxfield said Tennessee Tech’s involvement in the STEM Night event has been a big help. Maxfield said Tennessee Tech is also going above and beyond by purchasing a planetarium for the school to keep.
“We are a part of the gear-up program, where we had asked for a planetarium, and they elected to purchase us one, so yes, we are very excited about that,” Maxfield said. “I think it’s gonna be a great addition to our school and for our students.”
Maxfield said the night can also get students interested in potential careers at an early age.
Maxfield said he is hoping for a good turnout on Thursday. Maxfield said the goal is to keep hosting events like STEM Night and Literacy Night in the future.
