St. Anthony School in Hawthorne hosted its annual STEM Showcase on Jan. 24 and Jan. 26. The showcase explored biomimicry, the innovative practice of drawing inspiration from nature to solve human challenges. This hands-on event showcased students’ creativity and problem-solving skills from preschool through eighth grade as they applied real-world STEM principles to their projects.
The youngest learners dove into the wonders of the natural world. Preschoolers studied buildings inspired by rainforest ecosystems, while prekindergarten students designed waterproof sneakers using the waxy covering found on penguin feathers. Kindergarteners explored the relationship between bird beak shapes and human tools. After reading Charlotte’s Web, first graders investigated how spider webs influenced the design of suspension bridges.
The second-graders focused on wind resistance, designing a beach umbrella modeled after the stability of trees in strong winds. Third graders created functional snowshoes inspired by animal adaptations. Fourth graders applied their studies of bird flight to develop airplane models. Fifth graders used the principles of camouflage to hide butterfly cutouts throughout the school, delighting younger students as they searched for concealed designs.
Upper-grade students took on even more advanced engineering challenges. Sixth graders constructed an oil boom to prevent the spread of oil spills. Seventh graders designed a honeycomb-inspired structure capable of withstanding earthquake-like vibrations. Eighth graders concluded the showcase with gliders designed to maximize flight distance and performance by mimicking the shape of bird wings.
Parents enjoyed a preview day on Friday, followed by an open house that welcomed community members to experience the ingenuity of St. Anthony’s young scientists and engineers firsthand. The STEM Showcase was a resounding success, highlighting the school’s commitment to fostering curiosity, innovation, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
