Playing with marble runs, learning computer coding and completing art projects are just some of the activities that students are enjoying in the new S.T.R.E.A.M. Lab at Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary School (SSBVM) in Middletown.

S.T.R.E.A.M., which stands for science, technology, religion, engineering, art and math, is a hands-on curriculum where students are guided through project-based learning assignments, focusing on a different theme each month.

The S.T.R.E.A.M Lab, also known as the makerspace, has been added as a weekly special for students in kindergarten through eighth grade along with other specials such as gym, library and music.

The S.T.R.E.A.M. Lab is located in a classroom inside the school building. "It was a computer lab years ago, and they stopped using it because we no longer need a designated computer space," explained Mindy Kennedy, SSBVM director of development, adding that students now have computers in the classrooms. "We repurposed that space and made it our S.T.R.E.A.M. Lab." Funding for the equipment was provided by the SSBVM Catholic School Parents and Teachers Together (PTT).

There are two designated S.T.R.E.A.M. teachers. "They have their own lesson plans, and they also incorporate what is happening in each grade's classroom," said Kennedy. "They can dig deeper into a subject because the (classroom) teachers may not have time."

The room contains a variety of materials for use by the students. "They have several different robotics items, things for coding, circuits, marble runs and a lot of engineering tools, like magnetic tiles for the younger ones," Kennedy said. "They have tons of art supplies. We just had a big drive this spring for supplies."

"I thought maybe our older students would not be as interested as the younger ones with certain things," she added. "They grab the same things but use them in a more advanced way."

Kennedy noted that at times students complete projects together. "It's fun to watch them (work) as group," she shared. "They learn to play to their strengths and work as a team."

For the religious aspect of the lab, teachers are planning a community service project, perhaps making clothing or other items for people in need.

In addition to the S.T.R.E.A.M. Lab, the school has an outdoor classroom as well as an outdoor play lab for preschoolers. "It's (all about) hands-on (activities), working together and learning how (things) work by doing and not just reading about it," Kennedy said.

SSBVM is located at 360 E. Water St., Middletown. Families interested in learning more about SSBVM are invited to the school's open house on Sunday, Nov. 14, or they may contact the school at 717-944-5371 for a private tour. For more information, visit http://www.sevensorrowsschool.com and http://www.facebook.com/ssbvmschool.