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Play With Purpose: Lower School Students Enjoy New STEAM Stations

January 28th, 2026



 

“Use the supplies and your imagination to build whatever you can imagine.” STEAM Stations directions

After enjoying frequent center times in the QUEST Center in Foster Hall as early childhood students, first, second and third graders are returning to QUEST for STEAM Stations. QUEST Center Coordinator Stacy Hill says the goal is to create opportunities for middle Lower School students to continue learning through play and discovery, which is a big focus of the Episcopal Lower School experience. The new STEAM Stations are in addition to the students’ QUEST time for project-based experiences and other activities.

Hill organized the first STEAM Stations week to include a few familiar QUEST Center favorites, like the light table and the magnetic wall. Support from the Mapes family also made it possible for Hill to purchase new supplies that are quickly becoming new favorites. For example, the new Air Toobz station encourages students to connect clear tubes, attach the tubes to a blower, and watch foam balls move through their creation. Already, several second graders have reported that the new station is the best.

Hill says the new STEAM Stations also help students develop important life skills. She points out the problem-solving skills students use as they build models in the simple machine center, as well as the teamwork and collaboration required to build successfully with the Air Toobz. In addition, students practice flexibility and sharing and develop a sense of independence and ownership of their learning.

Second grade teacher Emily Godfrey says STEAM Stations are already a hit. “They always love to be here,” she says of the QUEST Center offerings. Godfrey appreciates that STEAM Stations experiences encourage students to use their fine and gross motor skills and develop creativity.  

Going forward, STEAM Stations experiences will change to keep students engaged and excited about QUEST Center time. Thank you to the Mapes family for supporting learning through play and making STEAM Stations so joyful.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.

Posted in the categories All, Lower School.