Although we took a bit of a break from sending out the KNE Newsletter, we were busy putting together lots of STEM-tastic things for our community including a new Science Olympiad team, more STEM Nights, and STEM workshops.
When Erika and Alexa were no longer allowed to participate in activities at our local school district, we decided to do something about it. We started our own Science Olympiad team! We had to navigate how to create a new team, recruit team members, and prepare for a regional competition all within a couple of months. We had 11 incredible students with only 1 having prior experience on our fledgling team. Last month, we medaled in 9 events (and came close in a few other events), which was half of the events we entered at the Western Long Island Regional, one of the toughest and most competitive regions in New York. We had a great team of kids and parents who were inquisitive, energetic, and supportive of each other. Younger siblings that came enjoyed the competition so much that they want to join next year. Everyone had so much fun that we’re already talking about next year and ways to improve.
Alexa launched our public library’s For Kids By Kids series with a winter and Valentine-themed origami workshop last month for 4th to 6th graders. She is excited to also do sessions on flexigons, napkin folding, and solving the Rubik’s cube this spring. If you have a 4th to 6th grader and live in Port Washington, sign up for one of her workshops.
Preparations are also underway for STEM Nights at 2 local elementary schools this spring. The KNE student volunteers are developing new activities as well as improving some crowd favorites. Be on the look out for the new Electromagnets, Optical Illusions, and Space Time Table.
We also have a new opportunity to deliver workshops at our local public library. Our plan is to do several over a weekend in May for various age groups. If you have a child in elementary school or 6th grade and live in the area, be on the look out for registration information.
We’re guessing many families, like ours, are figuring out plans for the summer so we decided to share a couple of the great science programs the girls enjoyed last year!
kidsneedenrichment.com 