Horace Mann students at Capitol for STEM Day
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Horace Mann Laboratory School students and staff are pictured on the steps of the Missouri Capitol with state Sen. Dan Hegeman (left) and Rep. Allen Andrews (right). The students were in Jefferson City to take part in STEM Day, which celebrates the importance of emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the classroom.
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Fifth- and sixth-grade students from Northwest Missouri State University’s Horace Mann Laboratory School recently traveled to Jefferson City to participate in STEM Day at the state Capitol.
STEM is an acronym standing for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” areas that have become increasingly important curriculum priorities at all grade levels for schools nationwide.
In recognition of the importance of these subjects, STEM Day is hosted annually at the Capitol by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Mathematics and Science Coalition.
Hundreds of students and educators from across the state attended the event, which included opportunities for young people to meet lawmakers.
The Horace Mann students were greeted by both state Rep. Allen Andrews (R-Grant City) and state Sen. Dan Hegeman (R-Cosby).
Andrews recognized the students during a House session and invited them to attend a meeting of the Special Committee on Small Business, of which he serves as vice chairman.
“It is important to educate and engage young minds in our democratic process, and to create a culture of dialogue so they can participate and shape the future of our country,” said Horace Mann Principal Sandy Seipel. “We stress to our young people that their thoughts and ideas do matter, and we want them to be engaged and make a difference.”
While at the Capitol, the youngsters listened to presentations by representatives from such companies as Boeing, Pfizer, and Brewer Science.
They also learned about Project Lead the Way, a non-profit organization that develops STEM curricula for use by elementary, middle and high schools.
Located in Brown Education Hall on the Northwest campus, Horace Mann offers instruction to students in pre-school through sixth grade and serves as a training ground for college students pursuing careers in education.
The school has been designated a Project Lead the Way launch site.
