SV Junior Leads Hands-On STEM Lessons at Aston

Aston Elementary students had a special visitor in their Technology classes on January 31- Sun Valley junior Hope Gladfelter! As a Chief Science Officer (CSO), Hope designed and led a full day of interactive lessons to introduce students to Finch robots, giving them an exciting, hands-on experience with coding and robotics.

Hope is one of four CSOs in our district, a role she holds through the Delaware County Intermediate Unit’s CSO program, an international initiative that empowers students to become STEM leaders. Each CSO is responsible for planning a STEM legacy event, and Hope was the first in the district to launch hers this year.

For her event, Hope took over her father’s STEM classes at Aston Elementary - plus additional specials - to bring her robotics lessons to even more students. She carefully planned each session, ensuring students were engaged and excited about the world of STEM. 

“The kids loved it,” said Renee Di Pietro in an email about the event. “She was wonderfully prepared throughout this whole process and executed a full day of teaching.”

Hope’s leadership and dedication to STEM education exemplify the impact of the CSO program, and we’re proud to see her inspiring the next generation of learners.