At Carver’s Summer Transition Program for rising 6th graders at Roton Middle School, learning is anything but ordinary—and neither are the t-shirts!
Under the guidance of Program Coordinator Dean Vaccaro, a National Board Certified U.S. History teacher and longtime Director of the R.A.M.S. (Carver) Afterschool Program, students are immersing themselves in a dynamic STEAM curriculum designed to ease the transition to middle school through hands-on, high-impact experiences. One such experience was the much-anticipated tie-dye t-shirt project—a colorful highlight that beautifully combined Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math into one vibrant afternoon.
Led by Roton’s beloved Art Teacher, Stef Bronner, and her daughter Ricki, this creative adventure helped students turn plain white shirts into wearable works of art. But more than just a fun activity, the project was an intentional and layered lesson in cross-disciplinary learning.
The STEAM Behind the Swirls
Science came alive as students learned about how dyes bond to cotton, witnessing firsthand chemical reactions and the principles of capillary action.
Technology & Engineering were folded into the process—literally—as students explored different tie and rubber band techniques to create symmetry and structural designs.
Art took center stage, encouraging every student to tap into their own creativity and expressive instincts, choosing colors, patterns, and folding styles that reflected their personalities.
Mathematics subtly guided the work, from creating geometric patterns to understanding symmetry and predicting how color overlaps would appear.
Why Tie-Dye Matters
This simple-looking project packs a serious educational punch:
It builds skills: From fine motor control to creative decision-making, students developed dexterity, patience, and problem-solving abilities.
It reinforces learning: Observing dye movement, mixing primary colors, and testing different patterns served as engaging mini-labs in scientific inquiry and artistic exploration.
It boosts confidence: Students lit up when they saw their finished shirts—each one as unique as the student who made it. That pride and ownership are powerful motivators for continued learning.
It brings people together: Sharing ideas, helping each other with designs, and showing off their final shirts built a sense of belonging and joy that will carry over into the school year.
As Stef and Ricki Bronner reminded students during the project, art isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels, what it teaches, and the memories it creates. For these soon-to-be middle schoolers, tie-dyeing wasn’t just an arts-and-crafts break—it was a meaningful lesson in creativity, curiosity, and community.
And judging by the smiles and the rainbow-hued shirts hanging out to dry, it’s safe to say: mission accomplished.