Grahamwood Elementary is buzzing with excitement as the St. Jude STEMM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine) Club kicks off its latest session today, immersing fifth-grade students in the world of cancer research and treatment. This unique program, centered around childhood cancer, offers students hands-on experiences to learn about cancer development and the ongoing research efforts at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The STEMM Club is designed to educate students on the complexities of cancer. Participants work in groups to conduct experiments and procedures aimed at identifying cancerous cells, examining their growth, and understanding how cancer spreads in young patients. The semester-long curriculum also includes detailed studies of various cancer types and the innovative treatments being researched at St. Jude.
Sylvia Albert, Grahamwood's STEM Coordinator and a 40-year teacher veteran, participated in rigorous training with St. Jude over the summer and is thrilled about what this opportunity holds for her students and the future possibilities it will unlock. "At Grahamwood Elementary, we are preparing our students for the future. This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and our students are eager to be a part of it," she said.
One of the highlights of the program is a challenging project where students build and test a robotic arm to replace a limb lost to cancer. This task not only reinforces students’ understanding of cancer treatments but also hones their problem-solving and engineering skills.
The response to the program has been overwhelming. The sign-up list was full less than 30 minutes after being announced to Grahamwood’s fifth-grade families. To meet the high demand, efforts are underway to organize a Spring Club session.
This year, Grahamwood is also piloting a new program for kindergarten students through its STEMM Lab. The curriculum focuses on teaching young children about healthy living, including nutrition, hygiene, and overall wellness. This year-long program is proving to be a valuable addition to the school’s educational offerings.
Grahamwood’s long-standing partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues to thrive, fostering a new generation of students who are passionate about fighting childhood cancer. The collaboration remains a point of pride for the school, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing medical research and ensuring a healthier future for all children.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie N. Feagins recognizes the transformative impact of STEMM education and is dedicated to broadening these opportunities throughout the District. “St. Jude has been one of our main supporters since I’ve come on board and we’ve had great conversations about expanding the learning opportunities, and expanding the brains and the minds of our youngest leaders so that they can leave the legacy that we know they were built to do.”