By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Many people say that the future lies in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Considering the technologically-dependent world in which we live, it might just be true. In order to instill an early love of what can sometimes be perceived as “boring” or simply unreachable due to complexity, the Walpole Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program provides a number of activities to children that promote STEM at an accessible level that is also fun and entertaining.
On Thursday, Yvette Sammarco brought “Super Structures” to the Sherborn Library. Open to children ages four to eight, this event encouraged kids to use engineering skills to create super structures with various recycled materials.
Super Structures was sponsored by the Walpole Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Program. Photos by Katrina Margolis
The recycled bits included a number of interesting and enticing shapes and sizes, and that led to immense creativity. “We talked about what makes a good structure and what makes a good support,” Sammarco explained. The rest, however, was up to the kids.
“Our grant is funded through the Department of Early Education and Care and they like us to hook up with the libraries and provide free activities for children,” Sammarco explained. “So I do most of my town events at the libraries. They’re centrally located and people know where to look.”
This event is just one of a series that Sammarco is bringing to Sherborn. “We’re coming out on the 30th to do another one, which is about color and mixing color,” Sammarco said. Titled “Creative Colors,” this program is also recommended for kids four to age. While it’s free, pre-registration is recommended. Kids will be able to make a rainbow in a bag, tie-dyed milk, and experiment with color diffusing paper.
