Students Lead the Way at Hands On STEM Expo Connecting Two School Communities
Students from Monsignor Uyen Catholic School and Christ the King Catholic School came together for a dynamic, hands‑on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Expo hosted at Monsignor Uyen, transforming the gym, atrium, and learning commons into vibrant hubs of innovation, creativity, and discovery.
Designed as an immersive, experiential learning opportunity, the Expo placed hands‑on exploration at the heart of the day. Intermediate students from Grades 6–8 at Monsignor Uyen and Grade 8 students from Christ the King spent weeks designing and building interactive exhibits that invited younger learners to explore STEM concepts through doing, not just observing. From engineering challenges to creative problem‑solving stations, each activity encouraged students to test ideas, learn from mistakes, and think critically.
Older student leaders from both schools guided younger participants through engaging stations featuring Micro:bits, Dash robots, Snap Circuits, Bee‑Bots, and introductory coding platforms. Students also explored exhibits focused on engineering, mathematics through play, and science‑based experimentation in a supportive, curiosity‑driven environment.
The Expo was strengthened by the involvement of valued community partners, including engineers from the Science Partnership, representatives from the Professional Engineers of Ontario and Chatham-Kent Library representatives. Indigenous community partners were also present who shared teachings about constellations and Indigenous perspectives on the night sky, and board representatives who offered interactive activities such as 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.”
The energy of the day was unmistakable, with many students reluctant to leave their stations—even for lunch. Supported by community partners and guided by student leadership, the Expo highlighted the power of experiential learning while strengthening connections across both school communities.
