Marion Center high school has adopted some things in the last year. From new scoreboards and backboards to new teachers and classes.  One of the most significant additions to academics this year was the introduction of the STEAM lab. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. As part of the district’s new curriculum, the STEAM lab is home to many new classes offered to students, including 3D Printing, Computer Science, and Robotics Fabrication and Robotics Programming.

“I enjoy being in Mr. Wiess’s room because its so much different than any of the other classrooms I’m in everyday. And, yeah, I’m doing schoolwork in there but it doesn’t feel like it because its fun and I enjoy it” said Anthony Lynn in an interview with the Stinger News team.

So far this year, the students have been working hard and having fun while doing it! Recently, the computer science class designed, programmed, and constructed the beautiful light display for the school’s front yard. The students used the program XLights to chorgraph a light show to music of their choice. The light shows could then be controlled by anyone with access to the school website.

In addition to that, the team of  Mackenzie Thomas, J.J. Ferraro, Paul Smith,  A.J. Lynn, Ryan Dicken, and Chase Maines plan to travel to Westmoreland County Community College in March to participate in the BOTSIQ Combat robotics competition as part of the Advanced Robotics curriculum. The students have worked beyond hard not only to design, engineer, and build a functioning robot but they also have learned how to write resumes,cover letters, and project schedules as part f the competition. Additionally, in the spring the Intro to Robotics students will be competing in the Heritage Conference Robotics Competition.

The establishment of the STEAM lab has provided students with an outlet for imagination and the opportunity to challenge themselves through hands-on approaches every day, all while having a good time. Stop in and check the latest projects of the STEAM labs today!