Fifth graders learn about science of ice cream

After a year full of engaging and joyful partnerships, Hamline Elementary and Hamline University ended 2025 with exciting collaborations in science and art.
It’s not everyday you see liquid nitrogen in an elementary school but one cool Monday morning in December was an exception. Hamline Elementary fifth graders enjoyed the sweet science of making and eating ice cream while learning about thermodynamics with Hamline University physics students and faculty. Around the same time, Hamline University student Bria Luepke was completing a fall internship with Mrs. Kainz’s kindergarten class – one that included planning and leading weekly art lessons. To celebrate their time together, Bria also organized an art show on campus featuring student work that was open to the public. Each student’s work was displayed and several collective pieces were on display as well. Mrs. Kainz’s class visited the art show alongside some family members to share, with great excitement and pride, all of their art projects. Many thanks to Bria and the physics students and faculty for creating these wonderful opportunities for learning and fun!
Looking ahead to the new year, kindergarten classes will tumble their way through the gymnastics gym, and sculpture and marketing pairings are in the works. We’re also looking forward to our annual all-school career fair – Discovery Expo – at the end of February and an all-school field day at Hamline University’s Klas Field this spring.
If you’d like to learn more about the Hamline to Hamline Collaboration and everything Hamline Elementary has to offer, stop by Hamline Elementary’s Open House on Thursday, Jan. 22, 5-7p.m. The school is located at 1599 Englewood Avenue, in the heart of the Midway. For more information, contact Karen McCauley at karen.mccauley@spps.org.
Submitted by Jessica Kopp, Hamline Elementary Lab School Project Manager, School of Education and Leadership.