(Nov. 17, 2016) All fourth grade students in Worcester County participated in a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Fest experience at Furnace Town in Snow Hill during the first week in November.
More than 500 students were divided into two groups before they visited 16 educational stations while utilizing materials and experiencing teaching methods original to Furnace Town’s heyday in the 1830s. The activities took place Nov. 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“There were major comparisons made between life in the 1830s at Furnace Town to now,” Marlyn Barrett, coordinator of the program, said. “We broke the students into two groups and gave the same lessons both days.”
Students made candles out of beeswax, participated in a lighting activity and learned about beekeeping before tasting the honey, which was used to sweeten foods throughout the 19th century.
A lesson in the Old School House showed students how teachers taught on a chalkboard before iPads and other devices were available.
Woodworking, broom making out of pine needles and printing practices throughout the years was also discussed.
“The toys of then and now were the biggest hit of the day,” Barrett said. “The students were attaching a button to a string and the kids found it fascinating.”
Students could try homemade bread and make their own butter out of cream, or learn about animals.
A mandolin and guitar were demonstrated, and a huge sound system showed students how music is amplified today.
Three NASA booths with information about how the sun was used to tell time by utilizing sundials and its importance to sustaining life was also part of the presentation.
“Everyday living was discussed, including how there was no air conditioning or running water, and how Furnace Town affected the soil and town,” Barrett said.
This is the first time Worcester County held a STEM Fest experience at Furnace Town, and Barrett said they plan to have the activities every year.
“Furnace Town was the first place that came to mind when organizing the Stem Fest,” Barrett said. “The kids had a very good time and we were impressed with what they learned.”
More than 500 students were divided into two groups before they visited 16 educational stations while utilizing materials and experiencing teaching methods original to Furnace Town’s heyday in the 1830s. The activities took place Nov. 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“There were major comparisons made between life in the 1830s at Furnace Town to now,” Marlyn Barrett, coordinator of the program, said. “We broke the students into two groups and gave the same lessons both days.”
Students made candles out of beeswax, participated in a lighting activity and learned about beekeeping before tasting the honey, which was used to sweeten foods throughout the 19th century.
A lesson in the Old School House showed students how teachers taught on a chalkboard before iPads and other devices were available.
Woodworking, broom making out of pine needles and printing practices throughout the years was also discussed.
“The toys of then and now were the biggest hit of the day,” Barrett said. “The students were attaching a button to a string and the kids found it fascinating.”
Students could try homemade bread and make their own butter out of cream, or learn about animals.
A mandolin and guitar were demonstrated, and a huge sound system showed students how music is amplified today.
Three NASA booths with information about how the sun was used to tell time by utilizing sundials and its importance to sustaining life was also part of the presentation.
“Everyday living was discussed, including how there was no air conditioning or running water, and how Furnace Town affected the soil and town,” Barrett said.
This is the first time Worcester County held a STEM Fest experience at Furnace Town, and Barrett said they plan to have the activities every year.
“Furnace Town was the first place that came to mind when organizing the Stem Fest,” Barrett said. “The kids had a very good time and we were impressed with what they learned.”