S.T.E.A.M. Program and Academic Activities

Wilson Hall is a certified Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) school by the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA). To earn the certification, the school met SCISA STEAM standards that include having an inquiry-based learning environment for students that encourages problem-solving, students working independently and collaboratively, and students demonstrating creative and critical thinking.

Other STEAM standards include students using technology resources to conduct research, learning through performance-based assessments, and students demonstrating oral and verbal communication skills to express and elaborate their conclusions. STEAM activities are incorporated into classes, involving hands-on activities to enhance and compliment traditional teaching methods. Students in each class, from three-year-old preschool through twelfth grade and across all academic disciplines, participate in STEAM activities.

4th Graders Put Energy in Motion

Conducting hands-on experiments, 4th grade students in Mrs. Megan Zimmerman’s class explored the exciting world of energy through engaging science activities. From testing the transfer of energy to investigating the effects of collisions, the classroom buzzed with curiosity and discovery. The STEAM-focused lesson not only deepened their understanding of science but also encouraged collaboration as students worked together to test ideas, share observations, and learn from one another.
 

Skits, Smiles & the Constitution

Collaboration and creativity took center stage as students in Mr. Sean Hoskins’ government class acted out skits to bring the Bill of Rights to life. Using what they had learned in class as a review for an upcoming test, students worked in small groups to pantomime three assigned rights without saying a word. The other groups then guessed both the amendment and the right being performed, turning review time into a lively mix of learning, teamwork, and laughter.
 

Making Sense of Matter in Physical Science

Sorting, debating, and organizing turned into a hands-on way for students in Mrs. Ashley Morris’ Introduction to Physical Science class to dive into matter classification. Armed with 30 cards, each group was challenged to invent its own system for classifying the substances. The activity sparked plenty of creativity and discussion, helping students see how scientists break down and organize the building blocks of matter.
 

Reading with a Positive Perspective

As a surprise, Mr. Shep Sublette, a ‘74 WH graduate and grandfather of kindergarten student Banks Timmons, stepped into the classroom as the Mystery Reader. He brought the story Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses to life, reminding everyone about the power of looking at things with a positive perspective. To make the lesson even more special, he handed out a pair of “magic glasses” to each student to take home. 

Best in Show: Kindergarten Edition

To help transition into the new school year, kindergarten students read Boomer Goes to School by Constance W. McGeorge. For a fun activity, they held a lively dog show, proudly presenting their favorite stuffed dogs, each one earning a playful blue ribbon for special characteristics like Happiest Dog, Fluffiest Dog, and more.

Apples, Appleseed & the Letter A

Hands-on learning made the letter “A” come alive for Preschool 3 students as they tasted green, red, and yellow apples, giving each a thumbs up or down. Along with exploring healthy eating and how apples grow on trees, they discovered the story of Johnny Appleseed and enjoyed songs and poems that tied to their letter of the week.

Sweet Statistics in AP Psychology

Students in Mrs. Allyson Sanders’ AP Psychology class turned a bag of M&M’s into a hands-on experiment to study research design, ethical guidelines, and statistical reasoning. After forming hypotheses about color distribution and collecting data, they considered ethical factors such as informed consent and inclusivity before analyzing their results with descriptive statistics and chi-square testing. This creative activity gave students a practical way to see how psychologists design studies, uphold ethical standards, and interpret data.

Mapping the Human Body

Students in the Honors Anatomy class, taught by Mrs. Ashley Morris, engaged in a hands-on STEAM group activity to practice body region terminology. Working together, students traced an outline of a classmate’s body on the floor and then used colorful post-it notes to label the different anatomical regions. This interactive approach reinforced their learning while making the study of anatomy both collaborative and memorable.

Environmental Science "Tragedy of the Commons"

Using straws to “fish” for M&Ms in their community lakes, students in Mrs. Jessica Duke’s Environmental Science class experienced the challenges of the Tragedy of the Commons. In the first round, with no rules in place, most of the lakes were quickly depleted as students acted in self-interest. In the second round, they introduced regulations and worked together, allowing their lakes to thrive and demonstrating that sustainability depends on balance, cooperation, and mindful choices.

Human Health & Development Learn the Baby Basics

Life with a baby can turn ordinary routines upside down, and students in Mrs. Allyson Sanders’ Human Health & Development class got a taste of that reality. After exploring the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial stages of child development, each student was assigned a baby doll to care for day and night throughout the week. The project wrapped up with presentations showing just how much an infant can change family life, from shifting roles and added responsibilities to the challenges of finances and relationships.

A Heartfelt Lesson from The Kissing Hand

Preschool 3 students enjoyed The Kissing Hand, the heartwarming story of Chester the raccoon who overcomes his first-day jitters when his mother kisses his hand so he can always carry her love with him. To bring the story to life, students had a heart drawn on their hand, a sweet reminder that whenever they feel scared, they can look at their hand and remember their mother’s love.

First Graders Make Colorful Connections with the Skittles Ice Breaker

First grade students kicked off the year with a colorful “Getting to Know You” activity called the Skittles Ice Breaker. After sorting their Skittles by color, the students rotated around their table groups, sharing fun facts about themselves and making new connections in a fun and engaging way.

Robotics Students Face Off in BattleBots Competition

Students in the robotics classes taught by Mrs. Leann Tuders put their engineering and programming skills to the test during an exciting BattleBots competition. BattleBots is a hands-on robotics event in which student-built robots compete in head-to-head matches, attempting to disable or outmaneuver their opponents in a controlled arena. The competition encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork as students apply their classroom knowledge in a fun and competitive environment. Wilson Hall offers three years of robotics in high school as well as a quarter-long robotics class for all 7th grade students, giving them early exposure to STEAM learning.
 

Anatomy Heart Dissection

Putting their knowledge to practical use, students in the anatomy class dissected sheep hearts, using pencils to mark the main vessels and identify key structures. This hands-on activity is just one example of how STEAM learning comes to life in the classroom. Taught by Mrs. Ashley Morris, the lesson combined scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and practical application to deepen students’ understanding of the human cardiovascular system.

Health & Human Development Class Holistic Wellness

While studying different types of treatment and therapy, students in the Health & Human Development class participated in a hands-on series exploring meditation, pet therapy, sound therapy, and yoga. The engaging activities offered students a deeper understanding of holistic wellness practices. The class is taught by Mrs. Allyson Sanders.

AP English Language Combine

AP English Language students tackled the AP Combine, a fun and fast-paced training session designed by Mrs. Molly Matthews to prepare them for the upcoming College Board exam. Combining academic rigor with physical challenges, students practiced switching between essay tasks while also skipping and running backwards on the track, performing ballet moves on the football field, and sprinting around the stone circle. It was a creative and energizing way to sharpen skills while learning outside of the classroom.

Preschool 3 Western Day for Letter W

Preschool 3 ended their letter W week in the best way—with Western Day! Students practiced numbers and colors, played fun games, enjoyed tasty treats like cowboy and cowgirl barrel drinks, learned a new dance, and raced their own handmade horses across campus. What a wonderful way to celebrate W! 

Robotics I Battlebot

Students sharpen their soldering skills as they build their Battlebot in preparation for an upcoming competition. Under the guidance of Mrs. Leann Tuders in Robotics I, these future engineers are getting ready to put their creation to the test. WH offers three years of both engineering and robotics to high school students, giving them hands-on experience and a head start in STEAM.

Pre-Algebra I "Glow Up"

Pre-Algebra I Plus got a glow-up!  Mrs. Teresa Alexander’s 7th grade students lit up the classroom—literally—with their “Glow Up Your Graph” STEAM review. Stations, black lights, and fluorescent fun made test prep shine bright as students engaged with math through creative, hands-on learning. A great example of using diverse teaching methods to make learning stick.

Biology DNA Lab

In biology class, students recently participated in a hands-on STEAM activity to explore the process of DNA replication. Using colorful pipe cleaners to represent the different components of DNA, students constructed and modeled the replication process in a fun and interactive lab. This creative approach helped reinforce key concepts while encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the structure and function of DNA.

Anatomy Brain Hats

In an engaging STEAM activity, students in the anatomy classes, taught by Mrs. Ashley Morris, wore brain hats as part of a creative project to prepare for an upcoming test. The students designed and crafted their own hats, labeling the different areas of the brain and their functions. To reinforce their learning, each student wore their brain hat throughout the day, while teachers were given questions about the brain to ask the students. This interactive review session provided an opportunity for students to earn extra points while reinforcing key concepts in a fun and memorable way.

Spanish 3 STEAM Game

Spanish 3 Honors students bring learning to life with a STEAM-inspired Snakes and Ladders game, practicing the subjunctive mood in a fun and interactive way in Mrs. Emily Jackson’s class.

Kindergarten St. Patrick's Day STEAM Activity

In an early celebration of St. Patrick's Day, kindergarten students engaged in a fun STEAM activity by designing and building their own "leprechaun traps," sparking creativity and problem-solving skills.

7th Grade Pre-Algebra Recognizes Pi Day

In celebration of National Pi Day on 3/14, students in Mrs. Teresa Alexander’s 7th grade Pre-Algebra I Plus class and Mrs. Sarah Barnes’s 7th grade Pre-Algebra I class took their learning outdoors for a hands-on STEAM project. Using chalk, they drew circles and applied their knowledge to identify diameter, perimeter, circumference, and radius while enjoying the sunshine.

Environmental Science Water Pollution Simulation

The Environmental Science class, taught by Mrs. Jessica Duke, concluded its unit on water pollution with a hands-on lab activity designed to simulate an oil spill. Students constructed model beachfronts and introduced vegetable oil into the water to replicate the effects of a tanker spill. Working in groups, they devised and implemented various cleanup strategies, experimenting with materials such as sponges, baking soda, detergents, vinegar, flour, and coffee filters to determine the most effective method. Through this engaging activity, students gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in real-world oil spill cleanup efforts.

Dr. Seuss Celebration

Preschool 3, Preschool 4, and Kindergarten students had fun celebrating Dr. Seuss Week, a fun-filled event that brings stories to life while promoting literacy and a love for reading. Each day, they dove into a new Seuss classic, from The Cat in the Hat to The Lorax, engaging in hands-on crafts and activities that matched the theme of the book. They played exciting games like “Mix Up the Shoes” to practice matching pairs and giggled their way through Fox in Socks-inspired challenges. Special Seuss-themed snacks added a tasty touch to the festivities. Held annually in early March as part of the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America initiative, this event, which coincides with Dr. Seuss’s March 2 birthday encourages young readers to embrace the magic of books.

Preschool 4 Learn About Five Senses

Preschool 4 students had a blast spending a week exploring the five senses! From taste and smell tests to sound experiments, they engaged in hands-on activities each day. They wrapped up the week with a fun scavenger hunt around campus, using their sense of sight to spot hidden treasures.

7th Grade Engineering Egg Drop Project

Students in Mr. David Tuders’ 7th Grade Engineering class take on the Egg Drop Project, designing protective structures to keep an egg from breaking when dropped. This hands-on STEM challenge promotes creativity, problem-solving, and engineering skills as students explore gravity, impact force, and shock absorption. Using materials like straws, cotton balls, and balloons, they test and refine their designs, applying physics in a fun and engaging way.

English 10 Students Celebrate Gatsby

At the conclusion of their study of The Great Gatsby, Mrs. Molly Matthews' English 10 students participated in a celebration of Jay Gatsby’s life. Each student delivered a toast in his honor, reflecting on his dreams, illusions, and ultimate downfall. Dressed in 1920s-inspired accessories, they incorporated the novel’s symbols and themes to capture Gatsby’s ambition and tragedy. Though few attended his funeral, this event ensured he received the grand tribute he always longed for.

Preschool 3 Celebrates Dental Health Month

While celebrating Dental Health Month, the Preschool 3 classes welcomed Ms. Jenny Thigpen, a registered dental hygienist with Caroline Children’s Dentistry, for an engaging and educational visit. The students learned how to keep their teeth clean by brushing away the “sugar bugs” and explored healthy eating habits through a variety of foods. Throughout the month, they have been creating special crafts, discussing the importance of nutritious choices, and understanding the benefits of good dental hygiene. They have also learned how many teeth they have and why brushing at least twice a day is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.

Spanish BINGO

Students in Mrs. Emily Jackson’s Spanish II class engage in a fun and interactive way to reinforce their understanding of “estar + location.” Through a student-led BINGO activity, they practice pronunciation and listening skills while mastering new vocabulary in an enjoyable learning environment.

Senior Seminar Research Presentations

Students in Mrs. Molly Matthews' Senior Seminar/English 12 class took center stage as they presented their research findings from the Community and Solitude unit to classmates and faculty members. This culminating project challenged students to explore the balance between connection and isolation in society, encouraging deep reflection and critical analysis. Through their presentations, they showcased research skills, persuasive communication, and the ability to synthesize complex ideas—all essential for college and beyond. The experience not only strengthened their public speaking confidence but also fostered meaningful discussions about the role of solitude and community in shaping personal and societal well-being.

Kindergarten Celebrates 100 Days

Kindergarten students hit a huge milestone—the 100th day of school—and they celebrated in the most adorable way possible by dressing up as 100-year-olds. With canes, gray wigs, suspenders, and glasses, these little grandmas and grandpas looked ready for a retirement party. They proudly paraded through the preschool classrooms, showing off their 100-day projects, then got to work building towers to 100, rolling dice in a thrilling race to 100, and even testing their patience (and taste buds) by licking a lollipop 100 times. And, of course, no celebration is complete without food, so they munched on a 100-piece snack feast. It was a day full of giggles, learning, and unforgettable fun as these tiny centenarians marked their first big school milestone in style.

AP Research Investigation

In AP Research, a course within the Capstone Diploma Program, students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to explore a research question of individual interest. Guided by Mrs. Martha Jo Johnson, they employ ethical research practices, utilizing research methodology to assess, analyze, and synthesize information. Their work culminates in an academic paper, presentation, and oral defense. Banks Smith is investigating the effects of athletic taping on athletic performance among Wilson Hall high school students, aiming to provide insights into its impact on injury prevention and sports performance.
 

1st Grade Celebrate 101st Day of School

To celebrate their 101st day of school, first-grade students enjoyed dressing up as one of the 101 Dalmatians. Excited to mark this special milestone, the young students filled the hallways with spots, ears, and wagging tails, bringing the beloved characters to life. In addition to their creative costumes, they enjoyed activities inspired by The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith and the Disney film 101 Dalmatians, further immersing themselves in the story’s magic. Students used their math skills to draw 101 spots on a Dalmatian and their reading and writing skills to find 101 words in the room. While wearing hats they created, they also enjoyed a fun snack of "dog bones" (pretzels) and "dog spots & dots" (mini marshmallows and chocolate chips). The celebration added an extra layer of fun to their learning experience, making the 101st day of school a memorable and joyful occasion.

Preschool 3 Pajamas & Pancakes Day

Preschool 3 students wrapped up their exciting week of studying the letter P with a cozy Pajamas & Pancakes Day. Throughout the week, the young learners engaged in hands-on activities, each thoughtfully designed to reinforce their understanding of the letter P. These interactive STEAM activities not only made learning enjoyable but also helped build foundational literacy skills by strengthening their grasp of letter sounds. By incorporating play-based learning, the students developed essential early language skills while having fun, making their journey into reading even more engaging and memorable.

Anatomy Muscle Function Lab

Students in Mrs. Ashley Morris’s anatomy class recently participated in a hands-on STEAM lab activity, performing a chicken wing dissection to study analogous structures and muscle function. Through this interactive experience, students examined the similarities between the muscles, tendons, and bones of the chicken wing and those of the human arm, deepening their understanding of anatomical structures and movement. This engaging lab not only reinforced classroom learning but also provided a practical application of biology and physiology concepts in an exciting and exploratory way.

French Classes Enjoy Jour de Crêpes

As a fun STEAM activity, students in the French classes enjoyed a Jour de Crêpes, or "Day of Crêpes," in the cafeteria. This special day is dedicated to making and eating crêpes, which are thin French pancakes, allowing students to experience an authentic French tradition while incorporating elements of science and culinary arts. Led by French teacher Mr. Scott Warren, the event gave students a hands-on opportunity to practice their language skills while learning about cultural customs. Wilson Hall offers four years of French, beginning in the 8th grade, providing students with a strong foundation in both the language and the rich traditions of Francophone countries.

AP Physics Kinetic Lab

AP Physics students got hands-on with an exciting lab, building mini trebuchets to explore potential and kinetic energy. Using a battery as a counterweight, the trebuchets converted gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy to launch projectiles. After constructing their designs, students modified them to maximize projectile distance. Many discovered that increasing the counterweight boosted the potential energy, resulting in farther launches. The class is taught by Mrs. Jessica Duke. 

USC Professor Leads Poetry Workshop

University of South Carolina Sumter professor of English and Interim Dean of Academics Ray McManus visited the Advanced Placement English Literature class to lead a two-day poetry workshop. Students worked on an original poem and shared their work with their peers. Dr. McManus is an active poet and has authored four books of poetry and is an incredible resource for WH students. Exposure to college-level instruction + shared expertise + purpose and creativity = the Wilson Hall experience. 

P.E. Tennis Clinic

Tennis, anyone? Our P.E. classes were thrilled to welcome Mr. Luke Whiteside from the Palmetto Tennis Center. As the boys' tennis team coach, he brought his expertise to teach a fun unit on tennis.

Potato Santa Parade

First-grade creativity on parade! This morning, our students took part in the annual Potato Santa Parade—a beloved Christmas tradition where each child crafts a unique Santa using a potato as the base. They proudly shared their festive creations across campus, posing for photos and spreading holiday cheer.

AP U.S. History Mock Funeral for Lincoln

Advanced Placement U.S. History students held a memorial service to honor President Abraham Lincoln. Each student took on the role of a historical figure from Lincoln's life, delivering a heartfelt two-minute eulogy that reflected their perspective—positive or negative—on his impact. Attendees wore black to respect the somber occasion, and many brought framed photos of President Lincoln. Together, they remembered his legacy through the voices of those who knew him best.

1st Grade Oreo/Moon Activity

Proving that learning can be both interesting and delicious, first grade students enjoyed using Oreo cookies to illustrate the phases of the moon they discussed in their science lesson.

AP Physics Newton's Law of Motion Experiment

Using Newton’s Laws of Motion, students in the Advanced Placement Physics class completed a lab where they calculated the acceleration of an object in an elevator as it ascends and descends. Students used a scale to measure the weight of an object or person as it moved from rest into motion and then calculated the acceleration while using the elevator in the Moulton Center. 

Preschool 3 Nursing Activity

While learning about community helpers, Preschool 3 students welcomed Mrs. Allyson Sanders, school nurse, to their classes. She discussed the duties of a nurse and gave them a chance to explore nursing tools and be “patients.”

Preschool 3 Five Senses Experiment

While learning about the five senses, Preschool 3 students conducted a taste test to distinguish the differences between salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. They also made listening ears, painted with smelly, smoky paint, to know when to find an exit sign. The week ended with the Five Senses Popcorn Challenge to encourage the use of all five of their senses. 

English 12 Free Read Friday

Taking advantage of the sunshine on the Bynum Rooftop Garden, students in the English 12/Senior Seminar classes enjoy a Free-Read Friday.