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A Celebration of Mathematical Curiosity
Sekolah Lentera Kasih Makassar recently hosted its highly anticipated annual event, STEAM Week, from October 23 to 25, 2024. This year, the event carried the inspiring theme “Paths Beyond Imagination,” aiming to ignite creativity, foster innovation, and encourage students to delve deeper into the limitless possibilities within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The vibrant three-day celebration was filled with engaging activities that captivated students, parents, and the broader community alike, showcasing the school’s dedication to holistic and future-focused education.
The opening day of STEAM Week, dubbed “Fun Maths Day,” set the stage for an unforgettable experience. The day began with a welcoming speech and prayer, creating an atmosphere of excitement and curiosity among the participants. Students from all grade levels embarked on a mathematical adventure, exploring essential concepts through interactive activities designed to challenge their problem-solving skills and logical reasoning. The Math Showdown, one of the highlights of the day, saw students competing head-to-head in an elimination-style quiz.
The intensity of the competition, combined with the joy of learning, created an electrifying atmosphere as participants raced against time to solve progressively challenging math problems. In the Mathopoly activity, students navigated a math-themed board game, strategizing their way to success by solving problems and earning rewards. Meanwhile, older students engaged in hands-on engineering by constructing intricate 3D geometric sculptures, blending creativity with mathematical precision. The day concluded with the Math Whiz Family Quiz, where parents and students worked together to solve puzzles, deepening family bonds while celebrating their love for numbers.
Scientific Discoveries and Hands-On Exploration
The excitement continued on the second day with the much-anticipated Science Fair. The event transformed classrooms and common areas into hubs of exploration and discovery, offering students a platform to unleash their inner scientists. Younger students participated in engaging experiments, such as building paper rockets and roller coasters, learning fundamental principles of physics through playful yet educational activities. Middle-grade students rotated between stations focusing on art, engineering, and technology. At the art station, they created colorful circuit art, combining LED lights and batteries with artistic designs to produce illuminated masterpieces. In the engineering station, teams took on the Tower Challenge, constructing tall and sturdy towers using limited materials, while the technology station introduced programming basics through Scratch, sparking an early interest in coding and computational thinking.
For the upper grades, the Science Fair became a stage for more complex scientific endeavors. Students presented live experiments to judges, teachers, parents, and peers, demonstrating their understanding of the scientific method and their ability to articulate findings with confidence and clarity. From hydroponic systems to environmental studies, the projects showcased the students’ innovative thinking and teamwork. The fair served as a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering curiosity and scientific inquiry, inspiring students to envision themselves as future leaders in STEAM fields.
Embracing Global Unity and Cultural Diversity
The final day of STEAM Week was a celebration of cultural diversity and global awareness through the United Nations (UN) Day and English Week activities. The theme for UN Day, “Fit for the Future: Building Better Together,” resonated throughout the day’s events. Students dressed in traditional costumes representing countries like India, South Korea, Egypt, and Jamaica, and delivered captivating performances that highlighted the cultural richness and global impact of these nations. Whether it was through dance, music, or storytelling, the performances emphasized the importance of unity and mutual respect in creating a better future.
English Week added another layer of excitement with its array of language-based activities. The Grade 4 drama performance captivated the audience with its theatrical flair, while debates among older students showcased their critical thinking and persuasive skills. The Spelling Bee competition brought an air of friendly rivalry, as participants competed to spell challenging words under pressure. Simultaneously, younger students enjoyed trivia quizzes and short films, which encouraged both fun and learning. The day’s activities culminated in a “Balloons of Unity” crafting session, where students created colorful hot air balloons symbolizing global cooperation and shared aspirations.
A Legacy of Creativity and Innovation
Art also played a significant role during STEAM Week, with a two-day art competition that allowed students to express their creativity on canvas. Younger students participated in a lively coloring competition, while older students created stunning paintings reflecting the theme “Paths Beyond Imagination.” The displayed artworks, brimming with imagination and talent, were a reminder of the importance of nurturing artistic expression alongside academic achievements.
The culmination of STEAM Week was the Open House, a welcoming event for prospective families and the wider community. Visitors were given a guided tour of the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the library, music room, ICT lab, and science lab. The event also featured an exhibition of student projects and artworks, providing a glimpse into the school’s dynamic and enriching learning environment. Parents and guests expressed their admiration for the students’ enthusiasm, creativity, and hard work, reinforcing Sekolah Lentera Kasih Makassar’s reputation as a leader in holistic education.
STEAM Week 2024 was more than just an event; it was an immersive journey into the realms of creativity, innovation, and global awareness. Through activities that combined learning with fun, the students were encouraged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and explore new possibilities beyond conventional boundaries. Sekolah Lentera Kasih Makassar’s commitment to fostering a passion for STEAM disciplines was evident in every aspect of the week’s events. As the community reflected on the success of the week, it became clear that the seeds of curiosity and imagination planted during STEAM Week would continue to grow, shaping the students into future innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. The theme “Paths Beyond Imagination” was not just a slogan but a call to action, inspiring everyone involved to dream bigger and aim higher.
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