The Panther Makerspace STEM Lab will integrate mathematics into every stage of hands-on STEM learning. Through rotating stations, students will routinely apply grade-level concepts such as measurement, geometry, data analysis, spatial reasoning, number relationships, and algebraic thinking. Whether programming robots, constructing models, graphing results, or refining prototypes, students will use mathematical reasoning to guide decisions, justify solutions, and deepen conceptual understanding.
Roots and Resilience
Woodruff Middle School, Woodruff, SC
Roots & Resilience is an innovative STEAM initiative that empowers South Carolina middle school students to tackle real-world food insecurity by designing, engineering, and building their own hydroponic growing systems. Through a dynamic blend of science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics, and geography, students transform classrooms into living laboratories where creativity meets community impact. This project not only teaches how food grows but why access matters, connecting students with local farmers, families, and partners through a student-led agriculture fair and farmers’ market. By merging hands-on learning with artistic expression and purposeful problem-solving, we are cultivating the next generation of South Carolina innovators‚ young minds ready to design sustainable solutions and grow a brighter, more food-secure future for their communities.
Creative Coding with Ozobots
St. Matthews K-8 School, St. Matthews, SC
In order to grow STEAM learning for my Kindergarten through second grade students, Creative Coding with Ozobots project will be used as an engaging, hands-on tool that will help young learners explore coding, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Using color-coded paths and simple block-based programming, students will work collaboratively to design routes, test ideas, and refine their thinking as they see their code come to life. Using Ozobots will help build foundational STEAM skills in an age-appropriate, playful way while developing communication skills, critical thinking, and perseverance. Classroom activities using Ozobots will create a learning environment where early learners gain confidence with technology, understand the basics of computational thinking, and develop a lifelong curiosity for STEAM.
The Alchemy of Glass: Merging Art and Science
North Myrtle Beach Middle School, Little River, SC
The STEAM Glass Fusing Project at our middle school is set to revolutionize art education by blending creativity with scientific exploration. This innovative initiative will immerse students in the fascinating world of glass fusing, where they will harness the principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to create stunning glass artwork. By participating in instructor-led workshops and collaborative learning experiences, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, all aligned with the South Carolina graduate profile. With the support of this grant, we aim to transform our art room into a dynamic hub of STEAM education, preparing students to excel in an ever-evolving world through a harmonious fusion of art and science.
Putting the "T" in STEM
Charleston Progressive Academy, Charleston, SC
Help! Our STEM Lab is missing its “T”. Without the technology component, our STEM lab is simply a science lab that integrates engineering and math. While we can provide wonderful hands-on science experiences, provided by my district, my school lacks any form of hands-on opportunities for technology. Students have access to Chromebooks, computers, and sometimes cell phones. However, our students need access to building technology, writing code, and robotics. By providing these resources to 2-5 grades, our students will get the full STEM experience they deserve.
Flight Lights: Solving the Problem of Communicating with Light Over a Distance