Submitted photo Pizza box solar ovens were created using empty pizza boxes, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, tape, and hot glue.

The second annual Summer Step Program at WNY P-TECH brought plenty of kids together for a week-long agenda of activities and challenges.

Students were split into three groups and rotated through the classrooms of Jason Tracy, Julie Sek, Matt Edwards, and Dan Snyder. The focus areas included working with English/STEM, Science, Math/Technology, and Physical Education.

Most activities allowed students to showcase their self-sufficiency, creativity, and ability to complete tasks. Due in large part to the freedom and enjoyment that came with each task, even the youngest students showed responsibility and tedious care for each assignment.

“Students had a full slate of daily activities, ranging from writing and video tasks to team building events,” said William Smock, WNY P-TECH principal.

Students in Julie Sek’s class worked through several experiments and building challenges throughout the week. The kids participated in a paper-ball run challenge, aluminum foil boat building, and paper circuit making. They also experimented with a cell membrane bubble lab and by making s’mores in pizza box solar ovens.

Matt Edwards helped students assemble and fly drones throughout the week. After finishing the drone-building phase, several challenges and races were held throughout the week.

The Summer STEP program is a collaborative project between SUNY Fredonia and Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES designed for students in grades 7-10.

The program is offered at no cost, thanks to grant funding through the New York State Science & Technology Entry Program.

The program was met with praise from students as the activities kept all groups entertained and stimulated throughout the week. There was no shortage of meaningful activities throughout the week.