Open to returning former STEAM participants from previous years as program Mentors, ages 13+

STEAM 2024 Dates:

Week 1 Option BIRDS: July 29th to August 2nd

Week 2 Option INSECTS: August 5th to 9th

STEAM 2024 Location: Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield

About Mentor Program

This is an opportunity to be a role model to younger children and share some of your favorite parts of the STEAM experience with them. You will work with a small team of mentors and with the program instructors to make the program its best yet! Your responsibilities will include gathering supplies and helping to set up for projects, role modeling participation in all activities, being an older friend and support to all students. You may choose to help by leading simple games, sharing riddles, or stories that bring children together. (The STEAM program is an electronic device free environment.)

Please note that transportation is not available for STEAM Mentors.

About STEAM 2024

In STEAM Team: BIRDS, new rising 3rd grade students will learn learn about the physical and behavioral traits of local birds. Together we will observe each bird’s color, pattern, beak size, shape, etc., to guide the creation of paper mache bird masks, while learning how birds’ physical traits impact behavior – like beak size/shape and diet; color and camouflage; etc. Students will explore flight patterns and the three types of flight – flapping, gliding, and soaring – using dance to further explore these movements. Students will also explore terms including symmetry, asymmetry, pattern, repetition, etc., through the creation of large-scale collaborative drawings inspired by the movement and flight of birds as we celebrate the beauty and nature surrounding us in the beautiful Berkshires.

In STEAM Team: INSECTS, returning rising 4th grade students explore the wonderful world of insects and learn the importance of themany local insects we encounter each day. Students learn about Lepidoptera (i.e. butterflies and moths), from their life cycle (from egg, to larvae, to pupa) to the intricacy and functionality of their wings. Students design and construct their own wearable wings and continuously practice problem solving to ensure they are both aesthetically pleasing and well-balanced for wear in their final dance performance. Students learn about caddisflies and the uniquely beautiful and functional cases these insects build to protect their larvae using found materials in the environment. Then, inspired by the work of artist Hubert Duprat (who collaborated with caddisflies to create gold-encrusted cases), students create their own found-object keepsake boxes.

This year, we will be welcoming returning former participants in a mentorship role. Interested past STEAM Team participants, ages 13+ are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to participate in a new way, support a new group of younger kids in the STEAM adventure, and take on some more responsibility as a STEAM Team Mentor.

Health Forms

Each mentor is required to have a current Health and Emergency Contact Form on file with Berkshire Art Center. Please fill out this form for each mentor that will be attending the STEAM program. Health Forms are due as soon as possible at the time of registration and no later than one week before each program begins. Please ensure you have your student’s insurance information ready when filling out the form.

What to Bring to the Summer STEAM Team Program

Throughout the program we will take nature walks, make art, dance, and engage in environmental learning as we explore the outdoor landscape surrounding Berkshire Community College.

• Clothes that can get messy

• A backpack or tote bag

• Sneakers, comfortable shoes — no open toed shoes

• Swimsuit and towel (for those who wish to swim)

• Sunscreen 30 or higher, lip balm, and any other sun protection deemed necessary.

• All personal items should be clearly labeled with your name. This is very important if we are to return misplaced items to their owners. STEAM is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

• Jewelry, electronics, and other valuables should remain at home

• Breakfast, snack and lunch will be provided so students are not required to bring their own food.

Please contact us should you have any questions/concerns. We are looking forward to seeing you this summer!