It was a S.T.E.A.M. of a day

Darnell McDowell of Charlotte (with Clemson hat) accompanied his three children to the event and sat in on some of the workshops. McDowell is a graduate of Chase High School where he was the "ball boy" for the Chase High Trojans in the early 1990s.

Rutherford County Schools students from grades K-8 enjoyed a day of S.T.E.A.M. on Saturday, Dec. 18 and suddenly became young engineers, electricians and builders of robots.

The event was hosted by the Grahamtown Team, Isothermal Robotics Team and New Bethel AME Zion Church in Forest City where the event was held.

Children and older students explored science, technology, engineering, art and math in an interactive and engaging environment during the six hour event that also included a pizza lunch.

Students took home a robot and other engineering items they built.

Danny Smith, Instructional Technology Facilitator at Rutherford Early College High School (REaCH) led the event with a number of his students assisting.

Instructional Technology Facilitators in the schools provide district-wide professional development to maintain cohesive collaboration among all schools. Providing district-wide professional development creates a collaborative partnership among teachers, and ensures that all students in Rutherford County Schools are successful in a global community.

Grants have recently been received to continue the programs in upper grades.