Working with their hands, EHYC students make copper art, custom soap
The Expanding Horizons Youth Center continued their summer STEAM program the last week in June with soap-making and copper-working.
STEAM is a learning discipline in which students participate in various educational activities to enrich their knowledge about science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The EHYC is putting on a series of summer STEAM classes to improve students’ learning and keep them engaged during the summer months.
During the last week of June, the STEAM program was devoted to soap-making and copper-working.
For soap-making, students worked with Misty Jellison, owner of Ranch Suds, and learned about medicinal herbs that are safe for skin care. Students were given lemon balm, rosemary, lavender, calendula (marigold), and aloe to plant at home. They worked in small groups to make custom soap bars, and soaked and strained herbs to make a hand salve. Students also took a field trip to Ranch Suds to pick out two products, and also got a special view into creating a small business.
Copper working was taught by Sharon Sawicki, owner of Sawicki Jewelry. Sawicki helped teach students how to pound and shape copper into wearable art for medallions, earrings, keychains and bracelets. Together, they organized an art show and each student introduced their pieces and the processes they used to make them.
With Sawicki’s help, the EHYC was able to purchase enough material for copper-working to become an regular activity for students during the upcoming school year.
The EHYC Summer STEAM program continues through August with additional events around healthy eating, Takelma language, Cow Creek culture, and robotics.
