Mad Scientist Carnival Brings STEAM Learning to Life at John Lewis Invictus Academy

Morehouse College students volunteering with John Lewis Invictus Academy students at the Mad Scientist STEAM Day Carnival. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Students at John Lewis Invictus Academy stepped into a world of discovery during the school’s Mad Scientist Carnival, where hands-on activities let them explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) beyond the traditional classroom.

Coordinated by Pareshia Gipson, the school’s STEM lab teacher, the daylong event celebrated National STEAM/STEM Day by introducing students to new technologies and showing them how classroom concepts can translate into practical skills.

Students explored robotics and virtual reality, programmed Sphero technology, and experimented with 3D printing and wood carving. Students also explored a drone station and participated in carnival-style activities.

For Gipson, the event helped them see how classroom learning connects to a broader range of interests and possibilities.

“This is an opportunity for students to come outside of the classroom and immerse themselves in hands-on learning and engaging activities, as well as learn new things that they don’t typically learn inside their classes or elective classes,” said Gipson.

Enjoy the photo slideshow of the Mad Scientist STEAM Day Carnival. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©

Her approach mirrors that of the Rhode Island School of Design, an early leader in the STEAM education movement, which emphasizes bringing scientific thinking and artistic creativity together to inspire innovation.

Likewise, applying what students learn to practical challenges can help them build confidence, exercise their creativity, and better understand how science and technology influence the world around them.

The Mad Scientist Carnival reinforced that sentiment and the idea that hands-on experiences can also help students recognize that STEAM is limitless. Gipson’s students left with a broader understanding of the opportunities available to them, including careers that do not necessarily require a traditional post-secondary education.

“There are more things out there. There are more things to learn,” said Gipson. “Everybody’s not going to be a doctor. Everybody’s not going to be a lawyer. Everybody’s not going to be able to go to a four-year college. There are still careers we celebrated this entire week while learning about STEAM that don’t require you to go to college; maybe a two-year, or maybe a trade school for a couple of months right out of high school. Some students can start right out of high school with a certification.”

Her message is that students should see STEAM as an accessible program, regardless of their academic interests or plans after graduation.

“STEAM is a pathway. There is something for everybody. It’s not just dedicated to smart students,” said Gipson.