High Road School of Santa Rosa Hosts First STEM Night

Launching a Family STEM Night Focused on Hands-On Learning

High Road School of Santa Rosa recently held its first family STEM night, an event created in response to last year’s science test results, which signaled the need for more hands-on, engaging learning experiences. Rather than concentrate on the scores alone, school leadership developed an evening that emphasized exploration, problem-solving, and family participation.

Interactive STEM Stations Encourage Exploration

Engineering, Motion, and Problem-Solving Activities

During the event, students, along with their families, rotated through a series of interactive stations. The pumpkin catapult challenge encouraged them to experiment with force and motion, adjusting their designs to improve distance with each launch. At the pumpkin tower station, they worked together to build tall, stable structures, applying balance and engineering concepts in real time.

Engaging Younger Learners Through STEM Play

One crowd pleaser was the slime table. It drew steady lines as students mixed ingredients, observed chemical reactions, and compared different consistencies. Younger learners spent time in the STEM block area, where kindergarten and first-grade students constructed towers, shapes, and patterns while building early math and engineering skills.

Hands-On STEM Challenges Build Confidence

Another popular stop of the night was the car-building station, where students designed cars from simple materials, then tested and refined them during friendly races. Laughter echoed across the room as students made adjustments to improve speed and performance.

Leadership Perspective on the Family STEM Night

Carl Blackmon, program director at High Road School of Santa Rosa, said the night served a clear purpose. “We wanted students to see science as something they can do, not just something they read about,” Blackmon said. “Watching them take ownership of each activity showed us how capable they are when given the chance to explore.”

Student Growth and Confidence Through STEM Learning

The event had an immediate impact. Students who are sometimes hesitant in academic settings took the lead at stations, explaining their ideas and demonstrating their projects to teachers and families. Many showed increased confidence as they experimented, revised their designs, and proudly shared their results.

Strengthening Family Engagement Through STEM Night

Families also gained insight into their children’s strengths. Working side-by-side on the activities helped parents and caregivers see how their children approach challenges and solve problems. The evening strengthened connections and offered families a clearer view of how hands-on learning supports student growth.

For the school, STEM Night marked the beginning of a new tradition focused on practical, engaging science experiences for the whole family.