Students and their families gathered in the Emma C. Chase Elementary School gymnasium for STREAM Night — a night of fun, celebrating hands-on learning and imaginative problem solving.
Organized by school librarian Patti Andersen, the voluntary event invited students to design and build their own arcade-style games using recycled materials. The challenge encouraged participants to combine science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math skills while thinking creatively about how everyday materials could be repurposed.
More than 30 students took part in the event, constructing a wide range of inventive games made from cardboard, paper tubes, boxes and other reused materials. Many students recreated traditional carnival-style games such as pinball, skee-ball, basket toss, duck races and ring tosses, all designed and built entirely from recycled supplies.
The only requirements were that the games had to be playable and built primarily from recycled items, reinforcing both creativity and environmental awareness.
At the start of the evening, each student received a personalized certificate recognizing a special feature of their creation. Rather than focusing on competition, the certificates highlighted unique qualities such as creativity, design, innovation, or gameplay, ensuring every participant’s effort and imagination was celebrated.
After the awards were presented, the room quickly transformed into a lively arcade. Students and their families spent the evening visiting each station, testing the handmade games and cheering each other on.
Adding to the fun, Jane Sorensen from the Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) program attended the event and raffled off prizes for students.
STREAM Night not only showcased students’ creativity, but also highlighted how hands-on experiences can make learning engaging and meaningful. By designing, building and sharing their games, students demonstrated problem-solving skills, perseverance and teamwork, all while having fun with their families and classmates.