PEF: Hamilton Elementary Builds New STEM Lab

Photo courtesy PASADENA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

Hamilton Elementary is innovating its curriculum to support teachers integrating more hands-on scientific learning in the classroom. Recently, Hamilton principal Erika Cooper worked with her science staff to create a new Science Lab on campus using their PEF Teacher Grant to purchase resources. This new space was designed to develop an inviting and visually stimulating experience.

“The Science/(STEM) lab is accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. The lab encourages collaboration and group activities to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.” -Erika Cooper, Hamilton Elementary Principal

The centerpiece of the new Science Lab is a full-sized water table meant to simulate water flows, erosion, and flooding.With the table, students have the ability to model real-world environmental events like sinkholes and mudslides, exploring how water moves through soil and sand. Students can use the table to study the effects of erosion during lab time by creating mini cities using model houses and then watching how the different levels of water flow affected man-made structures.

Both Cooper and her Hamilton staff are happy to have this new hands-on resource for their campus. This lab will be a valuable tool to inspire a love of science for years to come.

Alexander Hamilton Elementary School, 2089 Rose Villa St., Pasadena, (626) 396-5730 or visit https://hamilton.pusd.us/.

Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF), 351 South Hudson Ave. RM 153, Pasadena, (626) 396-3625 or visit pasedfoundation.org.