Seventh Graders Tee Off with STEM: After-School Club Brings Science to the Fairway

Seventh grade students at Beacon Middle School are getting a unique opportunity to take their science learning outdoors this fall through a new after-school STEM Club featuring Golf at the Rehoboth Beach Country Club. The club is sponsored by The First Tee Delaware in part with a grant from the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation (CHEF).

The six-session program is part of the First Green initiative, an environmental outreach program of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Foundation. First Green turns golf courses into “living laboratories,” inviting students to engage in hands-on, real-world lessons that connect science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) to the environment.

During each session, students will explore interactive learning stations focused on topics such as wildlife habitat, soil science, environmental sustainability, water conservation and quality, mathematics, and career exploration, all while learning the fundamentals of golf. “In my STEM journey so far, I have learned how short the grass is which is 2.5mm,” said Briah McCabe. “They said this was a little tall for them! I also learned how to actually golf! I was so surprised how good I was at driving, and we also learned how to putt. I am so grateful to be in STEM!"

“This program offers our students an incredible opportunity to see how STEM concepts come alive beyond the classroom,” said Jacqueline Kisiel, 7^th grade science teacher and club advisor. “From testing water quality to studying soil composition, students are developing critical thinking skills in a setting that’s both engaging and fun.”

By combining science and sport, the program aims to deepen students’ understanding of environmental stewardship while introducing them to potential careers in turf management, agronomy, and golf course operations.

"STEM club is the first club I’ve ever been in and it’s also the best club ever,” said Gavin Burnside. “It’s fun, it’s interesting, and it raises questions I never thought to ask. So far, we’ve golfed and learned about grass maintenance and the science behind it. I can’t wait to keep learning. I recommend STEM club with Mrs. Hahn and Mrs.Kisiel!"

Juliana Lebron had a similar sentiment and recognized a big picture lesson that can come with participation in the program. "What I learned from week one and two is that if you give up, you’ll never learn!” Lebron also acknowledge the physical aspects of learning to golf, noting that she gained a better understanding of how to both aim and putt in the sport.