Franklin Beacons STEAM Fest
Franklin Middle School Beacons is moving full STEAM ahead with engaging students in project-based learning. Evidence of this was shown at Franklin’s recent 1st Annual STEAM Fest where students, families and staff participated in fun and engaging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning activities.
From event arrival to departure, the entire STEAM Fest centered students: youth in matching event t-shirts greeted guests at the school entry, showed visiting families to event areas located throughout the school, performed and led demonstration stations showcasing their work.
Franklin is a STEAM Magnet School in the Minneapolis Public School (MPS) district, and STEAM opportunities are in the spotlight throughout the Beacons after-school program! Interactive, student-centered classes include robotics, math matters, 3D printing, Franklin podcast, funk band, Future Boys and Girls, along with Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE) which are MPS award-winning science programs that energize students’ excitement about the possibilities in cutting-edge science.
Here’s a glimpse of what the 150+ event participants and guests experienced:
Youth in the 3D printing class created custom-order game pieces for the Beacons Dungeons & Dragons group.
Several 3D printing students were utilizing this technology for the first time. They learned aspects of design and production and delighted their D&D classmates with the customized pieces.
One of Franklin’s very own students designed the event t-shirt that was worn by all participating youth.
The royal blue STEAM Fest shirts enabled all event-goers to easily recognize and celebrate the students whose creations were featured, providing them with the opportunity to engage with the students, inquire about their work, and learn more about the event. Weeks later, students and families are still buzzing with excitement from this monumental event. These shirts continue to be worn by students all over the school, a constant reminder of a heartfelt evening of learning, fun and laughter!
Elementary student visitors were given controls to a robot machine.
Designed and built by the Franklin afterschool Robotics youth, the challenge given to the elementary students was to maneuver the robot around within a specific area.
One exclamation mark of the evening was the live presentation of a $100,000 donation by community partner RSM US Foundation. The giant check received by several students recognizes and celebrates the amazing initiatives at Franklin Middle School!
An event of this magnitude isn’t complete without food! A full meal of freshly cooked chicken, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, french fries, jojo potatoes, cookies and juices was served to all participants and guests. The cafeteria tables were filled with Franklin students, parents, siblings and cousins, and students from nearby elementary schools.
Franklin’s 6th grade Dean, Brooklyn Tidwell-Davis, exuberantly announced raffle winners and hyped the crowd! Brooklynn recently began this role after nearly two years working in our Girls & Youth program.
All waited with anticipation for their raffle ticket to be drawn. Some 60 take-home STEM kits were given away, along with $175 in gift cards to lucky families.
Dozens of Beacons afterschool youth worked tirelessly for months to make STEAM Fest a reality. We recognize and applaud their preparation and hard work!
We want to thank the CenterPoint Energy Foundation for their grant to Franklin Beacons. The grant made purchasing supplies like a 3D printer, raw materials and more than 60 STEM kits as giveaways this year possible. Thank you for all the support from funders and the community. We will see you next year for the 2nd annual!