West School brought students, staff members and parents together on Nov. 15 for an evening of inquiry, discovery, curiosity and hands-on learning. Math Uniting Science and Technology Night, better known as MUST Night, presented a series of interactive games and hands-on activities that led participants to explore scientific and mathematical principles in fun and collaborative ways.

MUST Night is an annual event at West that supports the curriculum and gets students excited about learning. It has evolved over the years to incorporate a broad range of opportunities that combine the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. 

For the first time MUST Night 2017 included a Math and Movement component in the gymnasium. This kinesthetic, multi-sensory approach to teaching math concepts features floor mats designed to incorporate physical exercise, stretching, cross-body movements and yoga into problem-solving challenges. A similar activity prompted students to strengthen their spelling skills. 

STEAM-based programs including coding classes, Dot and Dash competitions and more were led by Bianca Rivera from Long Beach Public Library. Attendees also took part in other grade level workshops such as bridge building, homemade maker spaces and more.