NSHS goes full STEAM Ahead with annual Showcase

by Yehna Chewning

The STEAM showcase laser experience. Photo by Sahara Slaten

Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF) presented their 14^th annual STEAM Showcase, with many amazing hands-on experiences that every student could enjoy, at North Springs on Wednesday, March 13th.

With the support of multiple corporations, businesses, and educational sponsors, the showcase featured dozens of local vendors and colleges (including SCAD, Gwinnett Technical College, Georgia Tech, and Clark University), and was open to North Springs students, students at other schools, and to the community.

North Springs Assistant Principal Mr. Sheridan coordinated critical details on site and helped ensure students had the opportunity to enjoy the many interactive exhibits.

Exhibits included medical robots, metal welding and artwork, electric vehicles, engineering exhibits, and a robotics display by Dr. Durai of the North Springs CTAE department.

In addition to the daytime showcase, the event also featured an evening portion where students from schools in Sandy Springs showcased their projects that were funded by the Sandy Springs Education Force. Mr. Sheridan described this as, “A great, family-friendly event that showcases the amazing things the students in our community are doing.”

Among the many experiences, the showcase featured an eye-catching darkened laser exhibit with the ability to make phone calls using laser waves and control the direction of lasers using reflective surfaces.

Another popular section was a driving simulator, with lines of people wrapped around the whole upper gym waiting for a chance to drive. There was also a flight simulator, and hand-motion capture technology that allowed students to “see” and “operate” insight an image of a human heart.

A weather graph made of paper shavings where people could change the landscape to make hills and valleys was popular, too. Students could make the exhibit “flood” with a swift had motion.

One section of the exhibit featured a robotic dog and a moving crane. Many students stood watching drones fly. The showcase featured several 3D printers, including one that made a seamless replica of an avocado using resin instead of plastic, A stand at the entrance featured building design graphs and software, including plans for the new North Springs school building.

Other fun displays included a place where students could mix liquids and see the effect of sugar and fiber on the human bloodstream. There was a display of virtual ballet demos, one for health education, and displays about water quality programs by the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Each place had a captivating experience. Some required teamwork and other activities could be done alone. There was a STEAM showcase for everyone to enjoy!

Getting a hold on my heart!