From classroom to community: UHCL students lead STEM learning at Pasadena ISD STEAM Fair

Students from the University of Houston-Clear Lake College of Education (COE) partnered with Pasadena Independent School District (ISD) and Holly Yoes Glass, Pasadena ISD K-4 science specialist, to bring science to life during the district's annual STEAM Fair, creating hands-on learning experiences for elementary students across the community.

Inside the district's CTE Mobile Learning Lab, young learners explored interactive science activities designed to spark curiosity and connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. From engineering mini robots to explosive "Elephant Toothpaste" experiments, the event encouraged students to see science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics as exciting pathways for discovery and innovation.

For UHCL's students, the event represented more than community outreach. It was an opportunity to put educational leadership into practice while inspiring the next generation of learners.

"Getting to work with the kids at the STEAM Fair was such a fun experience," said UHCL science methods student Sara Bobo. "Assisting with the Elephant Toothpaste station and seeing their curiosity and excitement during the experiment was so rewarding. Moments like that remind me how important it is for students to experience learning, not just hear about it, and why I chose to become an educator."

Meghan Pavone, a Doctoral Curriculum and Instruction (EDCI) student, reflected on the impact of experiential learning throughout the event. "My experience at the Pasadena STEAM Fair was extraordinary," she said. "Students rotated through STEAM experiences, discovering new ways of thinking and problems to solve."

District leaders also praised the partnership between UHCL and Pasadena ISD. Yoes Glass noted that UHCL students "did an excellent job engaging and educating the young scientists and engineers" and emphasized the district's appreciation for the continued collaboration with the UHCL COE.

The STEAM Fair, held in March, highlighted the shared commitment between UHCL and Pasadena ISD to community engagement, innovative teaching, and creating meaningful educational experiences that inspire children long after the event ends.

Dr. Carol Waters, UHCL's assistant professor of STEM Education and STEM conference coordinator, said that volunteering at the Pasadena ISD Elementary STEAM Fair reminds her why partnerships between universities and school districts matter so deeply.

"Watching our science methods students and EDCI doctoral students engage with children and create meaningful learning experiences shows the true impact of educator preparation beyond the classroom."

Furthermore, these experiences not only inspire young learners to see themselves in STEM fields but also strengthen UHCL's future educators' commitment to service, innovation, and community engagement.

"We are proud of our continued partnership with Pasadena ISD and look forward to expanding opportunities that keep curiosity, creativity, and the love of learning alive for students across our region," said Waters.

Learn more about how UHCL's COE is preparing future educators to lead, serve, and inspire through hands-on community engagement at https://www.uhcl.edu/education/.