Connection + Hands-On Learning = STEAM Family Night
During the month of April, Prime Time Palm Beach County called together families attending both Florence Fuller East and West Afterschool programs to engage in an evening of STEAM! Families were welcomed by STEAM Specialist Patricia Sasson who works year-round with afterschool professionals to ensure they have the training, resources and confidence to bring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to youth in their programs across Palm Beach County. With a vision for children and youth to reach their fullest potential in school and life, Prime Time knows that family involvement is crucial.
When it comes to STEAM, research has shown parent involvement positively affects children’s quantitative skills and problem-solving skills. Prime Time makes sure that STEAM family nights are facilitated throughout the year, so families have that opportunity to connect and learn together.
The latest STEAM family night was a hit, with 44 families and a total of 111 participants learning how to build ingenuity, the Mars helicopter and play STEAM Careers Bingo with a chance to showcase their creations to all in attendance. Families were given rocket kits, test tube science experiments, astronaut keychains, space posters and calendars to take home to continue their love for STEAM.
STEAM doesn’t stop there, Prime Time partners with STEAM providers in our community to continue expanding each child’s knowledge during afterschool. Providers like the Cox Science Center and Aquarium and The Brain Workout Academy come directly to the afterschool program with hands-on learning activities ready to go at no cost to the program or family. Here is what youth in attendance shared about what they learned:
