By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
Mesquite’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education center held an “All About Water” summer camp last week from June 24-28. Two groups of children, a morning session and an afternoon session, learned about the local water cycle and participated in a variety of fun activities that taught about where the water supply comes from, how it is used, and where it goes.
“We had 61 students signed up,” said STEAM Center director Nikki Meador. “Throughout the week they have learned and seen the three stages of water: Ice, Water and gas.”
The kids were definitely having a good time. They watched a short video on “All about the water cycle.” Then they went to work painting a paper mâché mountain they had created the day before.
When the mountain projects had dried they poured water over it and watched the flow through the model system.
Young participant Craelyn Jensen talked about what she learned from the video. “I learned we are already running out of water,” Jensen said.
Ten-year-old Mason Olsen added, “I learned we get fresh water for drinking from the snow melting on the mountains.”
Meador explained the schedule of the week-long camp. “We have lesson time, game time and our play room is always open,” she said. “ Kids not signed up for summer camp can still come and use our play room anytime we are open. Its air conditioned here and we have lots of things to help the kids learn about science technology while having fun.”
Baily Grimshaw is a volunteer at the center. “I love my time here,” Grimshaw said. “It is fun helping the kids. I hope to be part of the staff soon.”
The STEAM center is fully supported by grants and donations from the community. The Charles and Phyllis M. Frias Charitable Trust has made it possible for the expansion of the center and new rooms will be useable soon. Many organizations are able to utilize the center. The home-schooled group, parents and children have access and The Mesquite Christian School uses the facility for projects.
The July Summer Camp will be held from July 23-26. The theme will be Flight & Space. All ages are encouraged to sign up.
The STEAM Center is located in Mesquite Plaza, 312 W. Mesquite Blvd. It is open Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
For more information about STEAM Center programs, call 702-344-5556.
