Finley STEM 7 Program Set to Debut

J. Taylor Finley Middle School seventh graders will experience many new academic opportunities this year, including a STEM 7 program that was approved by the Huntington School Board last spring.

“This program will engage students in a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities designed to pique their interest while working collaboratively on STEM-based projects,” according to the new course proposal presented to trustees. “Through the course of the school year, seventh grade students will be given the opportunity to spend their lunch periods working on STEM projects and activities and diving deeper into the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.”

Registration in the new full year program is expected to total about 60 students. It will serve as a “bridge” for students who are interested in the STEM field and who eventually want to be involved in the high school science research program.

“Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with one another on a range of activities such as water bottle rocket construction, bridge building, catapult construction, coding and egg drops,” states the course proposal. “Students will utilize the three-dimensional printer and vinyl cutter to further explore and create.”

The Subject Matter Council approved STEM 7 on May 10 with the Educational Development Committee giving the green light on May 19. Huntington School Board members gave final approval of the initiative at their June 6 meeting.