Growing the STEM, growing the skills

Learning is challenging, fun and, at times, sticky for students who participate in Growing the STEM activities.

During a session of one of the nonprofit's newest programs, the STEM Book Club, students were asked to make 3D shapes using toothpicks and large marshmallows.

It indeed was a sticky — but educational — experience.

"I just love having activities and spending time with my friends," Skyway Elementary fourth grader Emily Meuth said Monday. "I love it."

The marshmallow project was done in conjunction with the students' reading of Jennifer Swender's "Solving for M," a middle-grade STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) novel with a fifth grade protagonist who is navigating a new school, including a new math class, and discovers just how messy life can be.

"We get to read a lot of really good books. I really like reading," book club member and Skyway student Elizabeth Guzman said. "It's really fun and I get to practice a lot of stuff."

The STEM Book Club was founded by Lake City High sophomore Adeline Smith and launched in November. The dozen student participants of the pilot club read Bryan Mealer and William Kamkwamba's "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" and will finish "Solving for M" by the end of the 10-week program.

"One thing I noticed, especially in high school, is that most people I know, when they read, they do it for school, so they do it when they’re forced to, and even in elementary school,” Adeline said. “People develop a distaste for reading, especially my age. With low attention spans, people don’t like to read. Another area this program is trying to tackle is making reading fun and not just a school thing. It’s also an after-school thing; they don’t just view it as homework.”

Growing the STEM Board Chair Rebecca Smith said part of the hope for the STEM Book Club is for students who consider themselves math and science kids to discover an interest in literature, and vice versa.

“It’s kind of a crossover in that way," she said.

Growing the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) was founded in 2017 by Adeline, who is a high school representative for the Coeur d'Alene School District's Student Advisory Group, and her sister, Lilian Smith, a 2021 Coeur d'Alene High graduate and present Harvard University student.

The young innovators are achieving the STEM growth they originally set out to accomplish. What began with two math-based programs that inaugural year has now expanded to 40 programs in every elementary school and two middle schools across the Coeur d'Alene School District: Math is Cool, Mathletes, STEAM Club, STEM Club and Engineering Club.

“We had COVID for two years, and then this has come roaring back," said Rebecca Smith, who is also Lilian and Adeline's mom.

Along with providing free educational after-school activities for younger students, Growing the STEM is also an avenue for older students to gain experience. About 60 high school coaches work with younger counterparts each week. They lead activities, prepare supplies, spark conversations and invite participants to critically think about the projects before them.

“It’s a great leadership opportunity for kids, which is really exciting," Smith said.

Skyway advanced learning program and STEAM teacher Mary Taylor, whose classroom serves as the book club gathering space, said it's the high school coaches who really make the club a success.

"They create and execute lessons in a seamless and engaging way and the students adore them," she said. "I am there to support as needed and guide them down the path of teaching, but it is apparent their dynamic is fun and student-centered."

She said the book club has been beneficial for all the students involved — it has been a joyful experience while making challenging books more approachable.

"They stop me in the halls to share or ask questions regarding the club and a couple of students are spending their recess time in my class to read together," Taylor said.

In the past eight years, Taylor has worked in several schools with different demographics and after-school programs ranging from reading intervention and architecture camps to coaching sports. She said she loves being a part of programs that get students excited about learning.

"Growing the STEM is without a doubt the best program I have partnered with as a teacher," Taylor said. "It's exciting to see students at the high school level working with students at the elementary on various skills that focus on 21st century skills, whole-brain learning and creating an environment that encourages students of all backgrounds to excel in math and science fields."

Growing the STEM is supported by the Idaho Community Foundation, the Innovia Foundation, United Way of North Idaho, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and other local partners.

The Growing the STEM Battle for the Schools Trivia Night, the nonprofit's largest annual fundraiser, will be from 6-9 p.m. today at the Coeur d'Alene Eagles Lodge, 209 E. Sherman Ave. Dinner will be provided by Pita Pit. A cash bar will be available. Businesses will sponsor each school to send a team of six teachers to compete for the grand prize. One sponsored team of six teachers per school is free. Additional teachers may form teams for $20 per person. Community member teams may buy tickets at bit.ly/3I8vWyG to participate for $300 per table. Winton Elementary went home with the trophy last year.

Visit growingthestem.org to donate, register or volunteer.