Creative Projects and Exciting Experiments Fuse Science and Art to Inspire Early Learners in Clarkston
On July 15, the City of Clarkston saw its youngest residents light up with joy and curiosity as Mayor Beverly H. Burks hosted the third quarterly Mayor's Tots Town Hall at the Clarkston Women's Club. This event welcomed 25 students, aged three to five, from the Early Learning Scholars Learning Center for an unforgettable day filled with hands-on learning and interactive experiences in government and S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).
The Mayor's Tots Town Hall transformed traditional learning into an engaging adventure. With the help of community partners and generous donations from CDF Action, Amani Women's Center, In and Out Laundromat, Refuge Coffee, and Corner Cup Coffee, students kicked off the event exploring the wonders of upcycling. They turned recyclable materials, fabric, and art supplies into creative art displays, discovering the magic of transforming everyday items into beautiful creations.
The event's artistic highlight was led by the Georgia State University Perimeter College Arts Department. Under the guidance of Professor Fernando Rochaix, children and volunteers collaborated on a mural project that read, "Heal the world, make it a better place." This interactive session allowed the young artists to express their creativity while learning about the impact of art in the community. Professor Rochaix further inspired the children with a presentation on future art projects in Clarkston, igniting their imaginations for what's possible in their city.
Story time became a moment of connection and learning when DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner-Elect Chakira Johnson read Bina's Harvest to the children. She shared her journey as an elected official and engineer, emphasizing the importance of civic duties and the wonders of engineering. This was complemented by Sandy Springs Councilwoman Melody Kelly, PhD, who captivated the audience with stories of her experiences as a chemist and elected official, further highlighting the exciting blend of science and public service.
The air buzzed with excitement as local educator Sonya Heard conducted thrilling STEAM experiments. The children were mesmerized by the explosive combination of Mentos and Coca-Cola and the fascinating "elephant toothpaste" experiment. Their eyes widened with wonder as they actively participated, embodying the spirit of discovery and learning.
"Hosting the Mayor's Tots Town Hall was a great opportunity to engage Clarkston's youngest residents in the exciting world of government and STEAM," remarked Mayor Beverly H. Burks. "It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and creativity of the children as they participated in various projects and experiments. This event truly exemplified the spirit of community and learning in Clarkston."
Mayor Burks' vision for the Tots Town Hall is clear: to introduce young minds to government and STEAM in an engaging, fun-filled way. "By fostering curiosity and creativity, we aim to empower these children to understand their community and environment better," she added.
The success of the Mayor's Tots Town Hall was made possible through the dedicated efforts of numerous volunteers, community partners, nonprofits, and city staff. The City of Clarkston extends heartfelt thanks to:
- Former Pinelake Mayor Melanie Hammet
- City of Clarkston Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer, Yolanda McGee
- CDF Action
- Georgia State University Perimeter College Arts Department and Professor Fernando Rochaix
- Sonya Heard
- Sandy Springs Councilwoman Melody Kelly, PhD
- City of Clarkston Councilwoman Susan Hood
- Former Councilman Mario Williams, Esq.
- Early Learning Scholars
- Amani Women's Center
- In and Out Laundromat
- Refuge Coffee
- The Corner Cup Coffee
The Mayor's Tots Town Hall is a hands-on initiative aimed at fostering a sense of civic engagement and responsibility from a young age. By introducing these quarterly sessions, the City of Clarkston is committed to nurturing future leaders who are curious, creative, and engaged in their community.
The smiles and excitement on the children's faces at the event were a testament to the power of early introduction to STEAM and civic education. As Clarkston continues to prioritize early learning and community involvement, events like the Mayor's Tots Town Hall will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the bright minds of tomorrow.
