CULLMAN, Ala. – The annual STEM Day at Cullman City Primary School returned the week of Sept. 8, with expanded stations and activations for the district’s youngest students to start learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“The value of STEM Day extends far beyond a single event,” CCPS STEM teacher Anna Anderson explained. “It’s about sparking curiosity and giving our students a chance to see how science, technology, engineering and math connect to the real world. Our goal is to plant seeds early, showing kids that they can problem-solve, be creative and work together in ways that prepare them for future opportunities.”
New highlights at this year’s STEM Day include a station with Ozobot’s Joe Edlhuber, bringing Ari Robots, which have just been released; a live animal station with partners from Wallace State, Cobie Rutherford and Jackie Donaldson; the AAMU Mobile STEM Lab; as well as a Robotics Station from PowerUpEdu. The mix of familiar favorites and exciting new opportunities keeps students engaged and makes the day feel fresh every year.
“This year, we’re especially excited about the variety of new and returning partnerships that make STEM Day possible,” Anderson said. “We have incredible community, school and PTO partners, many of whom have supported us year after year, often bringing something brand-new each time they come. We’ve also kept some of the classic stations that students always look forward to seeing.”
Now in its fourth year, STEM Day has grown to include several local businesses, partners, groups and dozens of volunteers — all working together to give local students a glimpse into the practical application of how these skills can work in the real world.
“Thanks to the generosity of our partners and volunteers, CCPS STEM Day has become a true highlight of the school year,” Anderson said. “What began as a small idea to give students hands-on exposure has grown into a full community effort with more than 60 volunteers, 19 interactive stations, and incredible backing from parents, businesses and city leaders. Each year it gets bigger and better, and it’s inspiring to see the enthusiasm and support from the entire Cullman community.”
Cullman City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff noted STEM Day at CCPS is just one of the many ways the district is leaning into the future of STEM skills, including workforce training programs and more. Looking beyond the primary level, construction on a new career tech and STEM wing is actively underway at Cullman High School.
“Growing our STEM offerings has been a priority for years at Cullman City Schools and one we take seriously,” Kallhoff said. “Events like STEM Day are an amazing example of the great work our educators do while working with the community at large to ensure our students have these types of incredible opportunities to expand their horizons.”
