East Hartford Public Schools and the Connecticut Science Center opened a hands-on STEM lab at East Hartford High School to give elementary students experiential learning in science, technology, engineering and math. The fall unit, Planet Hunters, has students simulate a NASA-style mission, explore habitability factors such as temperature and gravity, and design satellite prototypes. The lab — led by Connecticut Science Center educators — can serve 450 fifth graders with up to two visits per student; the current session runs through Nov. 12 and a March session will focus on ecosystems.
East Hartford Opens Hands-On STEM Lab for Elementary Students
East Hartford Public Schools and the Connecticut Science Center opened a hands-on STEM lab at East Hartford High School to give elementary students experiential learning in science, technology, engineering and math. The fall unit, Planet Hunters, has students simulate a NASA-style mission, explore habitability factors such as temperature and gravity, and design satellite prototypes. The lab — led by Connecticut Science Center educators — can serve 450 fifth graders with up to two visits per student; the current session runs through Nov. 12 and a March session will focus on ecosystems.
06:06, 07.11.2025Science
New STEM Lab Gives East Hartford Elementary Students Real-World Learning
EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Elementary students in East Hartford now have access to a hands-on STEM laboratory located at East Hartford High School, a joint effort between East Hartford Public Schools and the Connecticut Science Center. The lab was created to offer younger learners practical, classroom-linked experiences across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The fall unit, called Planet Hunters, lets students role-play a NASA-style mission. Pupils conduct investigations to determine which factors affect a planet’s habitability — including temperature and gravity — and end the unit by designing and prototyping their own satellite models.
All sessions are led by educators from the Connecticut Science Center, bringing museum-grade instruction and resources directly to elementary-age students.
“We wanted to elevate that experience,” said Megan Ramer, director of programs at the Connecticut Science Center. “Introducing rich, hands-on STEM learning in elementary school helps sustain and grow students’ interest while building meaningful skills for success in the classroom and in future careers.”
Organizers say the lab can accommodate up to 450 fifth-grade students, each of whom may visit twice during the school year. The lab opened on Oct. 20; the current fall session runs through Nov. 12. A new session focused on ecosystems is scheduled to begin in March.
For more information about program dates and school participation, contact East Hartford Public Schools or the Connecticut Science Center.