St. Anthony’s of Padua to build new science lab

STEM focus to build excitement, quest for learning in students

“We felt this lab would take us to the next level, especially since we want to focus on STEM at our school.” — School principal Julio Alarcon

St. Anthony of Padua, 1305 E. Erie Ave. in Lorain, is continuing its work toward becoming a STEMoriented Catholic school by receiving a $5,000 grant to develop a science lab for students.

School principal Julio Alarcon said the development of a science lab is a huge success for the school.

“We felt this lab would take us to the next level, especially since we want to focus on STEM at our school,” Alarcon said.

Previously, the school’s science department operated in classrooms with designated science teachers who did small, classroom friendly experiments.

However, this new lab will give the teachers a chance to utilize 21st century technology and science techniques.

The lab will contain classic science lab equipment such as Bunsen burners, test tubes and other experimental equipment as well as computer based science technology, Alarcon said.

“We wanted to do up science education and give the teachers and students something exciting,” he said.

Alarcon said 50 Catholic schools applied for the grant and St. Anthony’s was one of the few selected to receive the award.

The Ohio Catholic Federal Credit Union supplied the school with the grant.

Even with the novel coronavirus pandemic, Alarcon said it was decided to continue with the setup of the new lab.

“We wanted to give our students something to look forward to, and we hope to incorporate into our curriculum this school year,” he said.

With Pre-K to eighthgrade, Alarcon said the lab will be set up in the middle school wing, but will be accessible to other grades as well.

“Our students will get to see new 21st century lab experiments,” he said. “I’m excited to see their faces.”