The theme for the recent Parkland School Board recognition night was “STEMM at Work.”

Through displays, videos and presentations, students and staff highlighted opportunities offered them in science technology, engineering, math and medicine.

They thanked the board for providing funding and equipment for interesting, meaningful learning activities in STEMM, considered a necessity now and in the future.

Donna Reinert, elementary media specialist department head, described Maker Spaces, common areas in each elementary school library where technologies, tools and resources are available to encourage innovation, creativity and collaboration among students.

She said the Parkland Education Foundation contributed financial support to each one.

Reinert reported a 5-year-old Cetronia student told her, “This media center is a place where little kids do big things.”

In the hallways of the administration building, eight Maker Space tables were set up, with children explaining how things work.

Elsa Hoderewski and Caleb Daniels, Schnecksville fourth graders, with media specialist Ashley Morrison, demonstrated how they can compose music.

They select different cards with music and put them together to make a song which plays on an iPod Mini.

The music can be used as a soundtrack to accompany a book or activity.

Evan Newhard and Andrew Newhard, with media specialist Debra Newhard from Kernsville Elementary, showed an Ozobot.

Students use codes to tell a small silver ball what to do, such as moving slow, fast or turning around.

Nicholas Kessler, Orefield Middle School technology education teacher, explained the focus of STEMM projects in grades six to eight.

“We put textbook knowledge to work in real settings,” he said. “We try to bridge the gap from classroom knowledge to reality.

“That means the world to our kids.”

Darren Dravuschak, Springhouse Middle School technology education teacher, commented on the need for STEMM instruction.

“Every single thing - in your car and in your house - you need technology for it,” he said. “We apply it to problem solving and analytical thinking.”

Springhouse Middle School Principal Michelle Minotti supplied closing remarks.

“We take these resources and turn them into a huge learning opportunity,” she said