From pasta to tarantulas: STEAM camp inspires young innovators

The engaging experience immersed students in hands-on, teacher-led sessions designed to spark creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration across the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Session highlights included:

• Residential Deck Construction: Design, Materials, and Building Codes
• Mission Im-pasta-ble: Homemade Pasta
• Positive Pollinating
• From Tiny to Triumphant: Exploring the Wonders of Living Things

The camp was led by Upper St. Clair High School educators Blaise Cackovic (physics), Jessica Peconi (family and consumer sciences), Laura Carlino (biology), and Dawn Mostowy (biology), each bringing real-world expertise and enthusiasm to their sessions.

Partner organizations enhanced the experience with exciting guest appearances and off-site adventures. Representatives from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium brought in live animals – including an Eastern pine snake, a blue-tongued skink, and a Chilean rose hair tarantula – for students to observe and learn about first-hand.

Students also visited the Moonshot Museum, where they participated in an immersive, space-themed team-building challenge, further expanding their exposure to STEAM careers and innovation.

In addition to hands-on activities, participants explored the opportunities available through Upper St. Clair High School’s STEAM Pathway, detailing ways to earn credit towards the STEAM pathway as well as providing a preview of future courses and experiences.