GHAPS First Graders Celebrate STEM Learning Under the Moonlight

It was a night of science, discovery, and family fun as more than 100 students and family members gathered at Grand Haven State Park on Monday, October 26, for the first-ever GHAPS First Grade Moon Party!

The district's STEM teaching team organized the event, which brought together first-grade students, families, and staff from elementary schools across Grand Haven Area Public Schools for an evening of learning and fun under the night sky.

Families lined up to take turns looking through telescopes, while students enjoyed games, dancing under the moonlight, and a special story time with district librarian Ms. Shah.

Despite clouds throughout the evening, the moon appeared after sunset, giving students a chance to see firsthand what they had been learning in their classrooms.

Bringing Classroom Learning to Life

The Moon Party was more than just a fun evening. It was a celebration of several weeks of hands-on STEM learning taking place in first-grade classrooms across the district.

Throughout October, students explored the moon through a variety of activities designed to build their understanding of science while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Students analyzed lunar calendars to identify patterns in the moon's appearance and used models of the sun and moon to explore how they interact. They also put their engineering skills to the test by designing, building, and presenting their own lunar landers.

The Moon Party provided an opportunity to bring that learning beyond the classroom, allowing students to share their excitement and discoveries with their families.

A Night to Remember

Beyond the science, the evening was an opportunity for families, students, and staff from across the district to come together, make connections, and celebrate learning.

A special thank you to our GHAPS STEM teaching team for organizing the event, to the staff members who joined in the fun, and to all the families who helped make the evening such a success!

Experiences like these are a great reminder that learning doesn't stop when the school day ends. Sometimes, all it takes is looking up!