Students gathered around tables, working to build the longest bridge they could using popsicle sticks and wooden blocks as part of an engineering challenge.
The activity was one of several hands-on sessions during the Girls STEAM Celebration at Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Net Zero Science Building. Nearly 100 students from James Hart School and Parker Junior High spent Saturday, April 11, exploring science, technology, engineering, art and math pathways.
The event took place in the Net Zero Science Building in the school’s south wing, where students rotated through classrooms throughout the day.
Students test different designs during a bridge-building activity at the Girls STEAM Celebration at Homewood-Flossmoor High School on April 11. (Nuha Abdessalam/H-F Chronicle)
Sessions were led by educators, professionals and high school student volunteers, including nearly 40 professionals who volunteered their time to lead activities and speak with students.
Students watched demonstrations across a range of fields, including a drone presentation and a physics activity where a beach ball was suspended in the air using a fan to demonstrate airflow and pressure.
Other stations highlighted careers in areas such as aviation and American Sign Language, giving students a look at different pathways within STEAM.
According to survey data from the Homewood Science Center, about 74% of students said they loved the event, while 86% said they left feeling more confident. More than half said the experience helped them explore new career and education interests.
The event is designed to introduce students to STEAM fields early.
“It’s kind of planting the seed, especially because it’s still a long way before they have to choose what they want to do,” said Jordan Lyznicki, who works in marketing and data for the Homewood Science Center. “But getting exposed to different careers and seeing women in those roles.”
The program is marketed toward girls, participation is inclusive, with a focus on encouraging more girls to explore STEAM fields.
The partnership between the Homewood Science Center and H-F High School was evident throughout the day.
Evan Roberts, science department lead at H-F High School, gave a tour of the building.
He pointed out that lab classrooms were equipped with gas outlets at each station, along with breakout rooms and shared spaces for presentations and group work. He said the layout was designed to give students more opportunities to work together and engage in hands-on learning.
A living wall and energy systems powered by solar panels are also part of the building’s design, reflecting its net-zero structure.
“This is such a great use of this amazing facility,” said Edie Dobrez, executive director of the Homewood Science Center.
Dobrez said the event is especially impactful when students are able to connect with people they can relate to.
Homewood-Flossmoor High School students Annie Ford and Janell Robertson, recipients of the Aesha Jackson STEAM Leader Award, spoke to participants during the event, sharing their experiences and interests in STEAM. Fellow student Courtney Moore was also recognized as the award’s runner-up.
Robertson said she was surprised to receive the recognition.
“I was surprised, but I was also very grateful,” she said. “Just knowing other people can see my progress.”
She encouraged younger students to stay focused on their goals, even when the work becomes challenging.
“Even when things get hard, just keep going,” she said.
Dobrez said moments like that are exactly why the event focuses on peer connection and representation.
“I’ve had adult speakers in the past and I don’t think this is resonating,” she said. “When it’s someone who looks like them, a year older, the eyes are a little bit wider.”
She said early exposure helps students begin to see themselves in STEAM fields.
“I think the students are amazed,” Dobrez said. “This is where they’re going to go to school.”
