A New Story in STEM

New Science Spaces Inspire Innovation and Curiosity

We're inventing the next chapter of STEM education at St. Mary’s. Our girls recognize the limitless possibilities through research,  discovery, and innovation, and we have the spaces to foster all of their interests.

With three new classroom spaces designed for scientific curiosity and discovery, St. Mary’s girls have space to discover, dream, and do.

Our Lower School students have a new Upper School Science Classroom state-of-the-art makerspace, along with a science classroom full of possibilities. In the Upper School, a new multi-use physics laboratory allows girls to make strides in STEM by encouraging exploration.

Carrie Ruhland, Lower School Science Teacher & STEAM Coordinator, is excited to have the makerspace to inspire students to innovate and problem-solve every day.

“Our new makerspace is a room of endless possibilities,” Mrs. Ruhland said. “Our new tables allow for large-scale construction and collaboration between the girls. We have an abundance of storage for all of our supplies. The tall windows allow natural light to flow into the room, and the concrete floors are the perfect choice for all the creative messes we will make together.”

By encouraging creativity and risk-taking, Mrs. Ruhland fosters a space full of new ideas. Through projects such as Glowforge laser printing, cardboard construction, designing with recycled materials, and creating robots, the girls are constantly taking their imagination to new heights.

“I am inspired to start something exciting with the girls each day I walk into this space,” Mrs. Ruhland said. “The girls enter the new makerspace energized and eager to start new projects, and catching their excitement the first time they step into the room is special for me. I love watching the joy on their faces and seeing their wheels turning.”

In the new Lower School science classroom, girls are already taking risks and discovering new possibilities.

“We’ve completed an aviation engineering project, an architectural design project, and a name stamp activity,” Science Teacher Mrs. Mekea Johnson said. “We also welcomed four Cornish Cross chicks into our new Moss Hall to begin units on life science and matter.”

In the Upper School, students have endless opportunities to engage in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and inspire creativity and a passion for problem-solving. With a new lab to accompany their curiosity, students have the space to pursue their interests and build their analytical thinking skills.

Upper School Physics Teacher Margo Huber uses her new classroom to enhance her teaching methods and create engaging demonstrations in the lab.

“Physics is all about space and motion, so the more space we have to demonstrate motion, the more opportunities we have to take measurements and explore movement,” Ms. Huber said. “With more opportunities to visually witness and work hands-on with the concepts, students can learn through demos and labs in a way now possible because of the new renovation.”

Our new lab explores possibilities in the world of STEM, and we have many other opportunities for girls to challenge themselves and champion curiosity.

“If students are interested in exploring STEM, our Upper School science department offers opportunities and a number of courses to design solutions and grapple with real-world problems,” Head of Upper School Lauren Rogers, Ed.D., said. “Our robotics team in the Upper School expands into the co-curricular space for STEM, and we offer three labs, designed for chemistry, biology, and physics.”

At St. Mary’s, we know this next chapter will be filled with light and learning, as we excel in educating young women to become confident leaders and learners.

“Learning happens most often through trial and error and making mistakes. As I support students through the process of making mistakes, they’re more inclined to enjoy that process,” Ms. Huber said. “By giving support and encouragement during the challenging
times of learning, I hope my students grow to love the process of discovery.”

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What makes St. Mary’s unique is the way tradition and innovation fit so naturally together here. We have these beautiful, long-standing traditions that connect generations of Turkeys, but we’re also never afraid to try new things if it means giving our girls the best possible
education.”Hilary Davis Robinson '90 Associate Head of School