All STEAMed up at McNeal Elementary

Luke Zabel, who is 5, learns about weathering and erosion during a science activity.

Scarlett Samson, a voluntary pre-kindergarten student, launches a rocket into the air. "I like that they go in the air," Samson says.

Matthew Vajanyi, a fourth grader, uses an air launcher to blow down cups with the help of Lauren Beck, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School.

Gabby Perez, a kindergartner, and her 1-year-old brother Zeke use Play-Doh to make planets. "This was our first stop, and they don't want to move on," says Jennifer Perez, Gabby and Zeke's mother.

Emma Swinkels, a kindergartner, uses virtual reality to look at different aspects of the Earth.

Zachary Malson, a second grader, aims before launching an eagle in a hallway.

Aiden Howell, a fifth grader and member of Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary's robotics club, provides a robotics demonstration. Howell joined the club because he likes building. "I like everything about it," he says.

Sullivan Clark, a third grader, draws a flower. Clark enjoyed all of the activities available at STEAM night.

Julia Spence, a first grader, shows off the succulent seeds she planted.

Reagan Perrine, a second grader, sprays her succulent seeds with water before moving onto the next station.

Drake Cohen, a fourth grader, spends time with his father, Tom, while going through the different stations. "There's something about coming to school after hours; it's different," Tom Cohen says.

Macklin Higgins, a fifth grader, shows off his art work. Higgins made an illusion as his art project.

Ariana Aikman, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, and Valeria Pankey, a junior, volunteer to help students during different science activities. "It's fun seeing the kids play and having fun," Aikman says.

Fourth grader Layna Dorman's hair starts to stand up while touching a Van de Graaff generator, which is creating static electricity. "It felt like my mother was tickling me," Dorman says.