Ga. (WTVM) – Chattahoochee County Schools is rolling out a new STEAM program for the 2026–27 school year, funded by a $100,000 technology grant that the district used to purchase new equipment and materials for hands-on learning
The district purchased 3D printers, 3D pens, laser engravers, virtual reality headsets and other materials to support the new STEAM curriculum.
Instructor technology specialist Molly Allen said the program moves students beyond traditional instruction.
“They are not just reading about the topics in a book, they aren’t just looking on a computer. They are taking what they have learned and are doing hands-on activities with the content,” Allen said.
Fourth-grade student Adalynn Williamson said the VR headsets are among her favorite tools.
“We came in here one time and we played. We did a fossil thing where we can see dinosaurs and we can see some of the fossils that were made. The dinosaurs looked a little realistic and it showed me the process of a fossil being made,” Williamson said.
Chattahoochee Middle School student Raylen McGlaun said the technology helps with retention.
“We can visualize it, and it really helps retain the information,” McGlaun said.
Allen said the immersive format is making a difference in how students remember what they learn.
“They are way more likely to remember, because they think oh, we studied this in VR, I remember doing this in the steam room, they absolutely are retaining it more,” Allen said.
Chattahoochee County Schools Superintendent Kimothy Hadley said the program connects students to the technology-driven world they are growing up in.
“We are providing them with an opportunity in a world that’s very tech driven. It allows them to connect with the technology that they are so familiar with, in a world they were born in,” Hadley said.
District administrators said they believe the STEAM lab will also encourage student attendance.
Chattahoochee County students return to the classroom Aug. 5.
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