(Buford, Ga., Aug. 5, 2016) – Summer vacation has come to an end, and area students are returning to class.  The Environmental and Heritage Center (EHC) encourages everyone to get a head start on a great school year and enjoy fun activities connected to Science-Technology-Engineering-Arts-Math (STEAM) at its third annual Back To School STEAM event on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The event will feature a number of STEAM focused activities highlighting the science behind music as well as the engineering and design of musical instruments.  The Mountain View High School Black and Gold Brigade will demonstrate the pitch and amplification of various instruments that comprise a marching band as well as provide guests with a musical preview of its 2016 show and stand tunes.  Performances are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.  The band will provide instrument demonstrations between noon and 1 p.m. as well.

Participants will also get a chance to make their own musical instruments utilizing natural and recycled materials, make musical chords with LEGO bricks, discover some of the most famous musical composers from the past four centuries, utilize LEGO EV3 robots to explore musical concepts and experience science, math and art in action at various stations throughout the building and the EHC lab.

In addition to seeing the musical connections between science and engineering, guests will also see how music impacted the 1996 Olympic Games by viewing the EHC’s summer exhibition.  The exhibit celebrates the 20^th anniversary of the Atlanta games and features various artifacts and memorabilia including items from the Centennial Olympic Band.

EHC’s Director of Programming Jason West said, “In today’s classroom, there is a huge focus on STEAM education.  It is crucial that we equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to graduate from high school, be successful in college and professional careers and be competitive with their peers throughout the United States and the world.  Highlighting fun and exciting STEAM connections is certainly one way to get the school year off on the right track.”

Program fees for the event are $8 per person.  EHC members and children age 2 and under are free.  For more information, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.