Hands-on, active exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math concepts will be the focus of STEM Beginnings classes for K-2 students in all three district elementary schools starting the week of March 21. The after-school program will be running its third round of classes this academic year.

The eight-class spring session will feature new activities that will keep the excitement level high for returning participants.

Snap circuits, K’nex education sets, Kapla blocks and other STEM toys are used in the play-based activities and support the program founders’ belief that children learn best when they are having fun.

In one recent class, children explored engineering  by building different kinds of bridges They read a classic book, 21 Elephants and Still Standing, made bridges, and  tested them with different weights:  21 batteries, 21 coins, 21 caps, 21 books, 21 crayons, and 21 Legos.  The students explored 3 bridge stations where they designed, built and tested arch bridges, beam bridges, truss bridges and whatever bridges they could create.

Classes start on Tuesday, March 22, at Loker School, Wednesday, March 23 at Claypit Hill, and Thursday, March 24, at Happy Hollow. The fee is $137 for eight classes.

To register, go to www.stembeginnings.com and register under “Spring 2016” and by individual school.

CONTACT: info@stembeginnings.com or 508-314-3275

STEM classes are being offered through Community Education, Wayland School Community Programs. The website is www.wayland.k12.ma.us – go to district information, WSCP, Community Education.