An Intriguing New Steam Project in an Unexpected Medium at NRC!

Thanks to: the ingenuity and skillsets of New Roberto Clemente Physical Education Teacher Shikman, the NRC extended day program, and the Geraldine R. Dodge STEAM Grant, an exciting new STEAM project is in the works at NRC!  This student project combines art, math and science to create permanent wall plaques for the gymnasium out of lumber, paint, and epoxy.


Mr. Shikman, who teaches hands-on wood skills in the extended day program, approached Dodge Grant Manager, Dina Scacchetti, and Dodge STEAM Art PIR, Triada Samaras, with this interesting STEAM idea. The three held several planning meetings to determine the materials needed, budget, and final desired outcome for this piece.

At NRC, each homeroom has the name of a major U.S. university.  The purpose is to keep students constantly aware of the goal of the school:  that all students prepare for colleges and careers, and that they have the highest aspirations for their futures.

Mr. Shikman, confident his sixth through eighth grade students could handle tools, supervised their use of a wide variety of chisels and hammers so that the students could carve the names of their homerooms into the lumber.  In addition he provided measuring devices and stencils so they could stencil the letters neatly and evenly across the wood.  Math was used to create the spacing and placement of these letters.

After students created the letters in pencil, they proceeded to chisel out the inside of each letter.  A great deal of effort went into this work, with each letter taking considerable time. Students collaborated and took turns to accomplish their goals.
 
Next students will paint the wood and fill the letters in with epoxy.  This will be done outdoors wearing proper safety gear. Mr. Shikman and the students made this choice after considering many options.  Science was used to brainstorm which material was most suitable for their purpose.

Soon the gym will be adorned with eleven new signs.  NRC students are waiting with anticipation!