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On Wednesday, October 16th, education students hosted a “CDC STEM Festival Day” in Cecilian Hall, where children from the ��������Ƶ University Child Development Center participated in learning activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “When students participate in STEM activities, they explore multiple content areas through creative and innovative ways,” said Melissa Tamburrino, assistant professor of education.

A more diverse, hands-on approach to teaching was important in encouraging students to explore and understand topics in different lights. Luke Ewing, a sophomore elementary education major, said that his biggest takeaway from this event was learning to “adapt and make the lesson more challenging or easier to understand, depending on the needs of the students.”

Undergraduate students are regularly interacting with children, ages 3-5, through the University's Child Development Center. “My favorite aspect of working at the CDC is being able to share my time with the students, and learning what a well-managed classroom should look like from observing the cooperative teachers,” said junior elementary and special education major Paola Morales.

The private, on-campus preschool has been a helpful and important resource for students in the Department of Education, as they complete observations and take advantage of opportunities to teach and build lesson plans in a real-life classroom setting.