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Full STEAM ahead at the zoo

Day of learning attracts educators, schools & families

Education Everywhere — Lexi Trudeau admitted that one thing she forgot when she designed her beaver habitat to have a place where zookeepers could take care of the toothy rodents.

“I discovered that there needs to be a place where the beavers can be separated in case one is sick, or a place where they can have well checkups,” said the sixth-grader.

Lexi and her classmates at Grand Rapids Montessori Academy were among many who showcased STEAM projects and programs on Sept. 23 at John Ball Zoo’s STEAM Day.

Adams Christian second-grader Milly Spriensna builds a tower using number blocks
Adams Christian second-grader Milly Spriensna builds a tower using number blocks

Kent ISD hosted one of 17 stations featuring science, technology, engineering, art and math-themed activities. Their station included opportunities for students to test temperature, create buildings using various blocks, and check out a tool known as a Vernier Dynamics Track and Cart System.

Kent ISD educational consultant Wendi Vogel and educational technology consultant Sarah Wood shared about STEAM activities available through Kent ISD and other intermediate school districts.

John Ball Zoo IT Solutions Engineer Sydney Tripp said he enjoyed meeting with guests and talking about the evolution of the computer.

“It is amazing how we have gone from a large board to a small SD card,” Tripp said. “This is important because we need to reduce waste to help with climate change.”

Also hosting booths were the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Kendall College of Art and Design, Van Andel Institute for Education, GVSU’s Regional Math and Science Center and the Greater West Michigan region MiSTEM Network

Grand Rapids City High eighth-grader Jack Morgan performs a short duet with Sarah Stickney, Grand Rapids Symphony director of education
Grand Rapids City High eighth-grader Jack Morgan performs a short duet with Sarah Stickney, Grand Rapids Symphony director of education
Students from Grand Rapids Montessori Academy shared information about how to help bees
Students from Grand Rapids Montessori Academy shared information about how to help bees
 Zeeland Christian third-grader Coralynn Pierce does a temperature experiment with Kent ISD Educational Consultant Wendi Vogel
Zeeland Christian third-grader Coralynn Pierce does a temperature experiment with Kent ISD Educational Consultant Wendi Vogel
East Oakview Elementary first-grader Reagan Trevino looks over a computer motherboard with Sydney Tripp, John Ball Zoo IT solutions engineer
East Oakview Elementary first-grader Reagan Trevino looks over a computer motherboard with Sydney Tripp, John Ball Zoo IT solutions engineer
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy sixth-grader Lexi Trudeau next to the beaver habitat she created
Grand Rapids Montessori Academy sixth-grader Lexi Trudeau next to the beaver habitat she created
Three-year-old Ellie Warners plays with blocks at the Kent ISD station
Three-year-old Ellie Warners plays with blocks at the Kent ISD station

Read more from Kent ISD: 
Educators examine student perspectives on engagement, belonging
Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon ISDs join forces to recruit and retain teachers

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Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
Joanne Bailey-Boorsma is a reporter covering Kent ISD, Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, Forest Hills and Comstock Park. The salutatorian for the Hartland Public Schools class of 1985, she changed her colors from blue and maize to green and white by attending Michigan State University, where she majored in journalism. Joanne moved to the Grand Rapids area in 1989, where she started her journalism career at the Advance Newspapers. She later became the editor for On-the-Town magazine, a local arts and entertainment publication. Her eldest daughter is a nurse, working in Holland, and her youngest attends Oakland University. Both are graduates from Byron Center High School. She is a volunteer for the Van Singel Fine Arts Advisory Board and the Kent District Library. In her free time, Joanne enjoys spending time with her family, checking out local theater and keeping up with all the exchange students they have hosted through the years. Read Joanne's full bio

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