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Mark Twain School for Scholars Unveils State of the Art STEAM Lab
With the snip of the scissors, Mark Twain School for Scholars officially unveiled its new, innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) lab, further enhancing its science/math curricula by providing students a safe, flexible space to expand their learning as well as spark their imaginations. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by DPSCD leaders, fellow students, staff and school supporters, several Mark Twain students got right to work in the new STEAM lab.
Nestled at one of the new lab tables and under the guidance of teacher Miss A., students Isaiah H. (8th grade), Addison G. (8th grade), Bethsua M. (8th grade), Elijah M. (7th grade) and his kid sister Theresa (6th grade), successfully conducted a solubility experiment involving chunks of butter, water, and baking soda, to the delight of observers that included DPSCD Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti and Board of Education President Angelique Peterson-Mayberry. It is the first of many experiments and activities that will take place in the new STEAM lab, something that Dr. Vitti said illustrates the DPSCD’s Core Values and Priorities.
“Providing learning spaces where students feel loved, challenged and prepared is directly connected to outstanding achievement,” he said. “This school partnership with Marathon (Marathon Petroleum Co.) is another example of successful identification of addressing a need with a student’s first focus.”
The STEAM lab is the latest example of Marathon’s support of Mark Twain, which has included sponsoring the generous grant for the lab’s refurbishment to providing snacks and treats on Count Day to employees coming to the school on volunteer service projects.
“Our partnership with Principal Sheila Langford (Mark Twain’s principal) and the school’s team is designed to support students and families at school and at home,” said Marathon Detroit Refinery Manager John Stefko. “We are members of this community, and we know when children thrive, an entire neighborhood thrives.”
The new STEAM lab is also the result of input from Mark Twain students, who shared their insights on what was needed to improve it when the project was in its infancy stage a few years ago. “When they first asked me what I thought about our science lab, I thought the lab could use a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the room along with new tables and chairs,” said Isaiah. “Now we have this new STEAM lab that gives us an opportunity to have more experiments that go with our curriculum,” he added. Said Addison, whose mom proudly attended the ceremony, “this new lab looks fantastic and looks great for the entire school to use. Now we can go to the next level of science by using things like interactive technology, which allows us to create more science projects that can be shown for years to the next generation of students.”
To learn more about the STEAM lab and other programming at Mark Twain School for Scholars, please visit the school’s web page at https://www.detroitk12.org/twain. DPSCD, where the Future is Rising!