Conquer STEM subjects through roller skating

CHESTER — The Castle Fun Center in Chester has combined science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with roller skating to help children learn.
Educational experts have designed the lesson programs to show that STEM is fun and found in everyday experiences. The hands-on activities are meant to capture students' attention and help explain difficult-to-teach concepts.
“This program gets children excited about STEM and motivates them to become involved in STEM topics in the future," said Susan Berntsen, event coordinator at The Castle. "Teachers are also excited as it takes the students out of the classroom to feel, discover, learn, have fun with and reinforce the topics they are currently teaching in class."
She said roller skating is a natural fit in explaining STEM concepts. The motion and skate design lesson teaches geometry, friction, reverse engineering and design. The science and lighting lesson helps students learn about light waves, electromagnetic spectrum and the speed of light.
"It’s a perfect fit as we have all the hands on resources right here in our 10,000-square-foot roller skating rink with elaborate lighting and sound system," said Berntsen.
The school will have nine lesson topics to choose from, targeted to elementary, middle school or high school students. The Castle will partner with schools on weekday mornings during the school year when the rink otherwise sits dark.
"And best of all, after the one-hour STEM lesson, the students roller skate for two hours, so it’s a well-rounded experience that combines education with physical education," said Berntsen.
The Castle Fun Center is located at 109 Brookside Ave. in Chester. For more information visit thecastlefuncenter.com or email susan@thecastlefuncenter.com.