Midview Local Schools invites all K-6 families to blast off into an evening of exploration and innovation at their Family STEM Night, set for Thursday, May 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at East Intermediate. This free, space-themed event promises hands-on learning and family fun centered around science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
STEM Night was launched five years ago by Midview’s STEM Committee with the goal of highlighting the district’s project-based learning and the powerful, real-world connections made through hands-on discovery. Students in grades K-6 experience this firsthand through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch Modules embedded in science instruction, along with dedicated PLTW/STEM specials in grades 3-6. At the Middle and High School levels, students have the opportunity to explore a range of career-technical courses aligned with PLTW, including:
Midview Middle School: Magic of Electrons (PLTW), Flight and Space (PLTW), Green Architecture (PLTW), Automation and Robotics (PLTW), Computer Science (PLTW), Medical Detectives (PLTW)
Midview High School: Engineering (PLTW) and Biomedical Science (PLTW)
PLTW is a nationally recognized nonprofit that develops transformative STEM curricula for elementary, middle, and high schools across the U.S. Through its programs, learners build both subject-matter knowledge and essential, transferable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. In recognition of its continued commitment to expanding STEM opportunities, Midview Local Schools was named a PLTW Distinguished District for the fourth consecutive year in 2023–24—one of only 19 districts in the nation and one of just two in Ohio to receive this distinction.
A highlight of this year’s STEM Night will be more than 100 student-created upcycled arcade games, built by East Intermediate students as part of their PLTW/STEM class school-wide Middie Makers Upcycled Design Challenge. These inventive games, constructed from repurposed materials, showcase students’ engineering ingenuity, design thinking, and environmental responsibility in action.
The project was launched with an inspirational video about Caine’s Arcade and a 5th-grade field trip to the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District’s new Sustainability Learning Center (SLC) in February, where students explored recycling, composting, and waste reduction through interactive exhibits and information stations. Inspired by the experience and equipped with their STEM knowledge, students returned to school after spring break ready to design their eco-conscious arcade game designs.
Thanks to previous grant funding from the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) Classroom Grant Program, students had access to a wide range of tools and tech—including Makedo tools, creative card builder kits, Dazzlinks, a Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Labo Kits, and Hummingbird robotic kits—allowing them to bring some of their games to life with lights, motors, and sensors.
“I love having the opportunity to work with all of my students to complete a school-wide design challenge,” said Kim Kauffman, Midview East Intermediate PLTW/STEM teacher. “I get to lead them through the engineering design process as they complete a project-based learning experience. It is very fulfilling to see them work through the productive struggle of brainstorming a game idea, figuring out how to engineer it, and making changes along the way. The final game prototypes are a tribute to the hours of hard work, teamwork, and critical thinking that my students exhibited throughout the process.”
In addition to the arcade, families can explore interactive STEM stations coordinated by West Elementary PLTW/STEM teacher Andrea Richardson, including pipe cleaner constellations, straw rockets, alien parachutes, space rocket cup stacking, constellation projectors, solar system bookmarks, and coffee filter planets.
The event also features several showcases and learning opportunities:
The West PLTW/STEM Project Showcase
3rd Grade Invention Convention Projects
East Innovation Studio
Lorain County Waste Management Information Table
4-H STEM Astronaut Paper Circuit Activity
Green screen photo booth for fun space-themed portraits
Please note: All students must be accompanied by an adult.
STEM Night is a celebration of creativity, curiosity, and community—inviting young learners and their families to reach for the stars together!