Steam and Maker Education

Watch this video to learn more about how students in kindergarten through fourth grades tinker, explore, pursue their curiosities, and forge connections across various disciplines in the lower school Innovation Lab.

At Hewitt, students engage in STEM through hands-on, multisensory learning experiences. In this video, second grade scientists explore the real-world concepts of weathering and erosion by creating models and stop-motion movies.

During their minimester, seventh graders were guided by the central question, “Whose voices are heard; whose voices are not?” As they conducted field research, historical investigations, and interviews, students reflected on how different voices have been amplified or quieted throughout history. 

First grade engineers conducted field research in Central Park to understand how to make playgrounds more accessible to people with different physical abilities. They then used what they had learned to design scaled versions of inclusive playground equipment such as slides, swings, and monkey bars.

As they wrestled with the real-world question, “What can Hewitt students do to promote a sustainable and accessible transportation system in New York City?” sixth graders engaged with local experts to better understand the challenges and benefits of creating resilient and inclusive transportation systems. 

In this video interview, Caroline B., Class of 2022, reflects on the joy and sense of accomplishment she gets from writing code and building apps, and shares how her teachers have supported and encouraged her to pursue her passion for computer science at Hewitt and beyond.

After investigating water pollution through the lenses of equity and social justice, civic engagement, and sustainable engineering, fifth grade change-makers proposed ways for members of the Hewitt community to reduce their unsustainable impacts on freshwater systems. 

During their week-long minimester, eighth graders investigated the lasting impacts of certain kinds of waste on our environment and researched the power of community activism. Students applied what they learned as they collaborated on ways to address the real-world issue of sustainable consumption at Hewitt.

Hewitt high school students are helping the Billion Oyster Project solve the local, real-world challenge of regenerating New York Harbor's oyster reefs. As community scientists, these students conduct hands-on field research and send valuable data back to the Billion Oyster Project. 

Our experiences at Hewitt have encouraged our passion for mathematics and helped us develop a sense of purpose around sharing that passion with our peers. Through the Math Olympiad club, we hope to give all upper school students a space outside of their classes to develop positive attitudes about mathematics while expanding their analytical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.