Grand Island High School: Paddle board project demonstrates STEAM learning

Grand Island High School's Engineering Tech Club showcased its handcrafted paddle board to 20 school districts at a collaborative STEAM meeting.

STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. The meeting that occurred Jan. 15 was co-hosted by WNY STEM Hub and Erie 1 BOCES.

Grand Island's paddle board project best demonstrated STEAM learning because a 3-D computer design was then constructed using precise measurements and advanced man-made materials such as epoxy composites, aerospace cloths like fiberglass and extruded polystyrene.

Two student representatives, Adam Bahgat and Matt Wellence, shared their learning process with the educators by utilizing a progressive slide show of photos. The capstone to their presentation included images of an in-water test of their 9-foot, 8-inch paddle board at Beaver Island State Park.

The club looks forward to completing a fleet of watercrafts, including two more kayaks, to further connect Grand Island students to their water-based community. The club is funded by donations and from the sale of their handmade cutting boards and laser engraved glasses.

Pictured are representatives from Grand Island High School: Carl Koppmann, technology teacher; Bahgat, an 11th-grade student; Wellence, a 12th-grade student; and Michael Carter, GIHS assistant principal.