On Feb. 12, St. John the Baptist School held its 1st annual Family S.T.E.A.M. Night. Dozens of “hands-on” exhibits dotted the school grounds and filled the parish hall. Students, parents, and visitors enjoyed the displays – including arcade games built by the 8th graders, stop-motion animation created by the 7th graders, marshmallow “molecule” models from the 5th grade, valentine sculptures from the 4th grade, and a marble run from the 2nd grade – all while dining on gourmet hot dogs and unique ice cream desserts.
Among the exhibits was the unique Stations of the Cross, presented by the Robotics Club. Club members built a robot that represented Jesus, complete with a crown of thorns, as He carried His cross on the road to Calvary. Each station was highlighted with classic artwork, and the stations were laid out on a grid that represented the Via Dolorosa.
The students programmed their robot to pick up the Cross at the 2nd station, and carry it. At the 3rd, 7th and 9th stations the Cross was lowered, representing Jesus falling the first, second, and third times.
Under the tutelage of Mr. Neil Merritt, the students also compiled a quiz with questions built around the stations. One question asked: What is the slope of the path to Calvary if the length is about 600 meters and the elevation change is 60 meters? Another asked: What is the name of the sculpture by Michelangelo of Mary holding Jesus? A third queried: Tears are salty due to sodium and potassium. What are the Elemental symbols for sodium and potassium?
Undoubtedly, the first Family S.T.E.A.M. Night at St. John the Baptist School was a success. SJB School Principal Paula Viles said, “The event was a real hit; we’re already planning our 2021 Family S.T.E.A.M. night.”
For more information about St. John the Baptist School, visit www.sjbschool.net.