Building, Exploring, and Creating

STEM Night Inspires Thurmont Students

Alisha Yocum

Families of Thurmont Primary School and Thurmont Elementary School gathered on February 12 for an evening of hands-on learning during the schools’ third annual Family STEM Night, which was sponsored by the Parent Teacher Association. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Nearly 150 students, parents, and siblings attended to explore an evening of science, technology, engineering, and math in creative and engaging ways.

Students rotated through stations, which included things like testing their engineering and problem-solving skills to build marble runs, and learned science through making slime.

A popular 3-D printing demonstration showcased technology in action, while students learned about plant life by propagating spider plants, crafting lettuce terrariums, and forming seed balls to take home.

Community connections were also a highlight of the evening. Members of the 4-H Bug Club gave students a chance to interact with insects up close, while families enjoyed the calming experience of reading alongside therapy dogs provided by Wags for Hope.

“STEM Night is important because it gives our students a chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a hands-on, low-pressure, and fun environment. It’s a space where curiosity leads the way, and students get to see how exciting discovery can be,” said Julia Suthard, Special Education teacher and one of the organizers of the event.

Sutherland wanted to thank Mobilize Frederick, Catoctin High School FFA, the University of Maryland Master Gardeners, 4-H Bug Club, Frederick County Public Libraries, Frederick County Parks and Recreation, Thurmont Child Care, the Kint Family, and staff members from both schools for making the fun and educational evening possible.

With seed balls, spider plants,  and slime in hand, it was clear that students left with a renewed excitement for learning and a curiosity that will continue to grow.

Principal Karl Williams braces for the big moment: testing a student’s egg drop design.

Students interact with Enviro-scape as Mobilize Frederick presents how a watershed works.