Students from Christ the King Catholic School and Monsignor Uyen Catholic School came together for a hands-on STEM Expo hosted at Monsignor Uyen, transforming the gym, atrium and learning commons into hubs of innovation, creativity and discovery.
Designed as an immersive learning opportunity, the Expo focused on experiential learning through science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities. Intermediate students in Grades 6 to 8 at Monsignor Uyen and Grade 8 students from Christ the King spent weeks designing and building interactive exhibits aimed at helping younger students explore STEM concepts through participation and experimentation.
From engineering challenges to creative problem-solving stations, the activities encouraged students to test ideas, learn from mistakes and think critically. Older student leaders from both schools guided younger participants through stations featuring Micro:bits, Dash robots, Snap Circuits, Bee-Bots and introductory coding platforms. Students also explored exhibits centred on engineering, mathematics through play and science-based experimentation.
Community partners also took part in the event, including engineers from the Science Partnership, representatives from Professional Engineers Ontario and representatives from the Chatham-Kent Public Library. Indigenous community partners shared teachings about constellations and Indigenous perspectives on the night sky, while board representatives offered activities including button making.
“The goal was to create meaningful, hands-on experiences where students could explore, experiment, and truly see themselves as problem solvers and innovators,” said STEM Expo organizer and Science Specialist teacher Tracy Verstraeten. “Watching our older students lead and inspire the younger ones made the day especially powerful.”
Organizers said the energy throughout the day was evident, with many students reluctant to leave their stations even for lunch. Supported by community partners and student leadership, the Expo highlighted the role of experiential learning while strengthening connections between the two Wallaceburg school communities.
