GCISD’s Cannon Elementary hosts 4th annual ‘STEMapalooza’

Cannon Elementary School hosted its fourth annual “STEMapalooza” on Nov. 1. This year’s theme revolved around water.

The gist

Throughout the day, students rotated to different STEM stations revolving around the theme. Students designed and built sailboats, rivers and an underwater electrical current that lit up an LED bulb. Students also designed and constructed a walk-in underwater exhibit complete with fish and other sea life constructed out of recyclable materials.

Cannon Elementary School Principal Tina Garrett said the idea for STEMapalooza came up when students returned to schools in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Garrett said they wanted to build something together as a community since it's one of Cannon Elementary’s core pillars.

The purpose was also to accentuate the learning in light of any gaps that may have formed during the pandemic, Garrett said.

“It was to reignite our mission and our vision,” she said.

Some context

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and refers to a method of teaching where students can solve real-world problems through design-based thinking, according to the Texas Education Agency. Cannon Elementary is the only STEM campus in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD.

All subjects taught at Cannon Elementary are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills state standards though its curriculum integrates STEM concepts throughout core subjects, according to the schools’ website.