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STEM in Action: A Celebration of Innovation, Collaboration, and Community

At Hickory Hill Academy, STEM is more than just a subject—it’s an opportunity for students to think critically, solve problems, and explore the world in meaningful ways. This past week, our school came together for two incredible events: the Lower and Middle School STEM Fair and our FIRST ever Pre-Kindergarten Science Fair. These back-to-back experiences showcased not only the creativity and dedication of our students but also the power of collaboration, mentorship, and family engagement in learning.



A High-Quality STEM Experience for Every Age


The Lower and Middle School STEM Fair was an exciting challenge for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, allowing them to apply their learning in hands-on ways:


Kindergarteners used recyclable materials to design brand-new toys, stretching their creativity and engineering skills.



1st graders took on the role of inventors, creating solutions to make everyday life easier or more fun.



2nd through 8th graders explored STEM through one of three pathways:

  • Experiment: Following the Scientific Method to conduct research, gather data, and present findings.

  • Invention: Using the Engineering Design Process to develop original creations and showcase their work.

  • Research & Model: Investigating a topic of interest and constructing a physical model to illustrate their findings.



What made this event truly special was the opportunity for younger students to learn from their older peers. Our Pre-Kindergarteners had the chance to walk through the STEM Fair, observing the projects and engaging in hands-on exploration. These moments of mentorship and curiosity-building are essential in sparking a love for STEM from an early age.



Pre-Kindergarten Science Fair: Big Discoveries from Our Youngest Learners



The excitement didn’t stop with the STEM Fair! The next day, our Pre-Kindergarteners took center stage with their very own Science Fair. Their projects were filled with curiosity and wonder, highlighting early scientific thinking and exploration. From color-mixing experiments to hands-on nature investigations, these young scientists demonstrated that STEM learning starts early and grows with each new discovery.



The Power of Parent Partnership


A huge thank you to the families who attended both fairs, supporting our students and celebrating their hard work. Your engagement—asking questions, encouraging problem-solving, and showing excitement—makes a world of difference in their educational journey. Seeing parents, teachers, and students come together truly reflects the strong sense of community and excellence at HHA.



A Special Shoutout to Our Superstars


None of this would be possible without the incredible dedication of our teachers. A huge shoutout to Miss Katie and Miss Shyann for their leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to making STEM an engaging and meaningful experience for all students. Their passion for hands-on learning continues to inspire our young innovators!




We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work, creativity, and problem-solving. The STEM Fair and Pre-Kindergarten Science Fair were perfect examples of how high-quality learning experiences, collaboration across grade levels, and strong family partnerships come together to create something truly special.


We can’t wait to see how our Highlanders continue to explore, discover, and innovate in the future!


 
 
 

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