After weeks of exploring circuits in STREAM classes, our entire Lower School gathered in Tisdall Hall Gymnasium for a truly illuminating experiment — to form one continuous, unbroken circuit.

Students began by creating homeroom and grade-level circuits before every student from Pre-K to Grade 6 joined hands, connecting two classmates holding a light stick. Once everyone was linked, the stick illuminated — a literal and powerful reminder that our community can light up the world.

This project represented the culmination of STREAM and language arts and reading learning. In connection with the theme of light, Lower School students read "The Dark" by Lemony Snicket, "Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark" by Jonathan Stutzman, and "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig.

Leading up to the event, students also gathered in smaller groups in the Makerspace to experiment with creating their own circuits.

As part of Oak Knoll’s commitment to founder Cornelia Connelly’s call to “meet the wants of the age,” the Lower School engages in a school-wide STEAM activity each trimester. Last spring, students studied pixels and designed individual tiles that, when combined, formed a large composite of the school crest — a fitting way to conclude Oak Knoll’s centennial celebration in the 2024–25 school year.