Manchester & Dillsboro Elementary Schools Hold STEM Enrichment

The event featured an array of presenters and activities aimed at expanding their horizons and fostering a love for learning.

Photo provided.

(Dillsboro, Ind.) - On Friday, an exciting event was held for students at Manchester Elementary School and Dillsboro Elementary School as they came together for a day of STEM enrichment and learning.

Enrichment Day, organized collaboratively by both schools, was an engaging experience for students, featuring an array of presenters and activities aimed at expanding their horizons and fostering a love for learning, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The event, which took place throughout the day at Dillsboro Elementary School, showcased a diverse lineup of presenters from our Southeastern Indiana community, each bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to captivate young minds.

Among the esteemed presenters were:

Liz Beiersdorfer from Purdue Extension: Conducted a penny experiment and taught money management through a card game focusing on spending habits.

and Marcia from Purdue Extension: Discussed with the students how to budget for groceries and living expenses.

Dillsboro Arts: Students created marble tracks from recycled goods.

Dillsboro Public Library: Students made CD sun catchers and UV bead bracelets that change colors.

Dr. Insecta: With a passion for entomology, Dr. Insecta introduced students to the fascinating world of bugs through educational presentations and live insect displays.

Recycling Center: The students created their own handmade paper through paper making screens, cookie cutters, and recycled materials.

Kids Discovery Factory: Students learned about wind and air energy, robotics, imaging, assembled K’Nex Build and Race cars, built Riga-Ma-Jig constructions, and enjoyed the creativity corner, and discovery ramps.

Baylor Trucking: Learned about the inside of semi trucks, where drivers sleep, and honked the horn.

Scott Rahschulte from Ivy Tech: Scott and the students explored Indiana state parks and their features.

Good Green Earth Farm: The students interacted with goats, chinchillas, ducks, and a pig.

Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department: Students met a police dog named Glock and witnessed its training against criminals.

Master Hite of the Indiana Academy of Martial Arts: Students witnessed nunchucks in action and also were able to practice a variety of kicks.

Dr. Kinni Leiker: The students learned about and practiced yoga.

Beau Scott: Introduced the students to the concept and technology of artificial intelligence.

Bobbi Cornett: Author, Bobbi Cornett read to the students her book, “Where Will Taulbee Go Today?” and answered their questions about the book and being an author.

Every year, Enrichment Day aims to provide students with a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. By exposing students to a wide range of subjects and activities, the event seeks to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and foster a lifelong love for learning.

"We are thrilled to host Enrichment Day and offer our students the opportunity to explore new interests and passions," said Dillsboro Elementary School principal, Kyle Miller. 

This event embodies our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students for their exciting futures." This collaborative effort between Manchester and Dillsboro Elementary Schools and diverse members of the Southeastern Indiana community underscores the importance of forging community partnerships to enrich the educational experiences of students. Together, we are empowering our students to discover, learn, and grow in a supportive and engaging environment