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![A teacher gives instructions to a group of students learning to fly on a flight simulator.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1760710172/wsd3org/ypq8g5cs5gwz2kegvmw6/IMG_3875_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1760710172/wsd3org/ypq8g5cs5gwz2kegvmw6/IMG_3875_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1760710172/wsd3org/ypq8g5cs5gwz2kegvmw6/IMG_3875_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1760710172/wsd3org/ypq8g5cs5gwz2kegvmw6/IMG_3875_1.jpg","width":1040}])
- STEM
October 2025
Grand Mountain School’s 8th-grade students stepped into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) this October with the school’s second STEMologist Day. The all-day event saw every 8th grader rotate through four interactive stations designed to expose them to diverse STEM fields and inspire future career paths.
The purpose of STEMologist Day was clear: to help students explore different STEM disciplines and begin formulating ideas about potential career interests beyond high school. The event’s set-up utilized the Library and nearby classrooms, creating a dynamic learning environment for all participants.
Students were divided into four groups, with each one spending time at the following specialized stations:
3D Printing Station: Led by Sarah D and Meri Spezialetti, students learned about the rapidly expanding field of additive manufacturing. A key component of the station was the hands-on experience: students were able to watch items being printed in real-time and touch various finished 3D-printed products, seeing the practical application of this technology up close.
Computer Science/Coding Station: Run by Stephanie Smith, this station introduced students to the fundamentals of Computer Science and coding, a vital skill set for nearly every modern industry. To make it more engaging for the 8th graders, the activity involved coding a game simulation where the students defined a hero player and a bad guy the hero had to defy.
Flight Station: Under the guidance of Lynn Bustamante, students explored the principles of aviation, aerospace, and flight. A major highlight was the opportunity for students to use flight simulators, giving them a realistic, hands-on experience of piloting an aircraft and inspiring the next generation of engineers and pilots.
Survey Station: Facilitated by Alyssa Stucker, students engaged in a crucial activity: completing a career interest survey using the Naviance program. Naviance is a K-12 college and career readiness platform that offers students tools for self-discovery, academic planning, career exploration, and college preparation. This survey was designed to help them narrow down and identify potential career opportunities based on their responses.
Stephanie Smith, who ran the Coding Station, emphasized the unique value of the event. "This is an 8th-grade exclusive event, which gets students excited about it. They have the opportunity to rotate through these stations, finding out their interests and exploring possible careers," she stated.
The response from students was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants reported being able to connect the hands-on activities with their aspirations for the future. In particular, they found the career interest test in the Survey Station to be highly beneficial in helping them narrow down their broad range of options.
STEMologist Day served as an important stepping stone for Grand Mountain's 8th graders, providing them with a tangible look at the possibilities within STEM and equipping them with resources to make more informed decisions about their academic and professional journeys ahead.
