STEM Club Sparks Creativity at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School

What started as a small lunchtime gathering has grown into a buzzing hub of creativity, collaboration, and innovation for Grade 7 and 8 students at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School.

The STEM Club, led by Teacher Librarian, Robin Stinson, and Grade 7 teacher, Asha Macwan, provides students with an exciting opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on learning. 

While the club began with a small group of students, it has since seen a significant increase in participation, with many students joining and showing strong interest. Today, the STEM Club attracts a diverse group of students who enjoy spending their lunch hour building, exploring, and problem-solving together. 

Currently, students are working on an ambitious project called Cardboardopolis, where they are creating an entire city using scrap cardboard. The project allows students to experiment with design, structure, and engineering principles while keeping sustainability in mind. In addition, students are creating mini robot kits using cardboard, batteries, and plastic components. Some robots take up to two weeks to complete, giving students the chance to practice patience and persistence. 

Tommy, a Grade 7 student, is one of the many enthusiastic members of the club. He loves creating small vehicles using items he finds at home or around the school and aims to use recycled materials and physics concepts to design his own engineering projects. Tommy also shares that his passion for STEM has inspired him to consider a future career as a mechanic. Another Grade 7 student, Chisom, says she enjoys STEM Club because it allows her to problem-solve with her peers. She describes the club as a space that brings out her creativity, helps her connect with friends, and encourages her to learn something new every week.

The STEM Club at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School continues to grow as a welcoming, creative environment where all Grade 7 and 8 students are encouraged to explore, invent, and imagine, one creation at a time.