There is a new after school club, the STEM Club, at Stedwick Elementary School that concentrates on science, technology, engineering and math each Thursday after school.
On Feb. 2, just three weeks after its first session, the students made LEGO robots, following a diagram to create one that they could program and run through some twists and turns.
“I joined because I like science and technology. It’s been fun,” said Kameron Thorpe, a fourth-grader. “The best part is building the robot, it’s going to move around.”
Grace Magdamo, a former Stedwick student, now a sophomore at Watkins Mill High School in Montgomery Village, started the club in January. Twenty fourth grade boys and girls are enrolled in the program.
“I was inspired to start the club because my younger sister was interested in science and building things,” Grace said.
Not only is Grace’s younger sister, Caroline, in the club, but both her mother, Carla, and sister, Lily, 13, an eighth-grader at Neelsville Middle School, help with the group.
Caroline said the club has lived up to her hopes.
“I love it. There are so many new things you can learn in science and technology. I think we should continue it every year,” Caroline said.
Grace said she is hoping other students will learn of the club and start groups in their schools.
Fourth grade teachers Erica Stephenson and Katie Craine sponsor the club. Looking around the room during the meeting they were surprised by the students’ concentration.
“Keeping their attention at this age is so difficult. [This] engages them, they are so intrigued by the science concepts,” Stephenson said.
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