Middle School STEAM Club
Inspiring curiosity and igniting creativity at the intersection of faith and innovation.
A ministry of St. Matthew Catholic School, San Mateo — under the patronage of St. Albert the Great, patron saint of scientists
Why we build
"To inspire curiosity and ignite creativity at the intersection of faith and innovation. The St. Matthew STEAM Club challenges middle school students to design, build, and problem-solve together, using their talents to make a positive impact on the world around them."
Curiosity first
Every project starts with a question worth asking, not just a kit to assemble.
Build together
Members design, build, and problem-solve as a team.
Faith meets innovation
Projects use members' talents to serve the school and parish community.
Every project ties back to St. Matthew's PEARL profile — especially growing as an Effective Communicator and a Responsible Citizen.
Our story
The STEAM Club was founded by Mason Tiruchelvam, a middle school student who launched the initiative during his sixth-grade year. Driven by a deep passion for engineering and the sciences, Mason envisioned a space where students could collaborate and innovate together. His inspiration built upon his own early involvement in the school's community, having actively participated in both the Robotics Club and the Mad Science Club during his earlier years at St. Matthew. Today, the club continues to carry forward that same spark of curiosity, encouraging students to explore, create, and lead.
Club moments
About the board
Mason Tiruchelvam
I've always been obsessed with math, science, and engineering — which is exactly why I started our middle school's STEAM Club back in sixth grade, so we could build and solve problems together. When I'm not working on a new project, I'm usually out on the court playing basketball. I also love traveling the world, checking out cool new cultures, and trying amazing food everywhere I go!
Jacob Nijem
Jacob is an outgoing and active person who loves spending time with family and friends. Basketball is a big part of his life, and he enjoys the teamwork and dedication it brings. He also has a strong interest in technology and enjoys learning about new innovations.
Nathan Purganan
Nathan is a dedicated, team-oriented person who loves basketball, watching movies, and playing video games. He loves discovering how science and technology apply to the real world and is always eager to see how things work.
Madeline Tiruchelvam
I'm an incoming sixth grader who's super artistic and loves creating beautiful art pieces. When I'm not doing that — or problem-solving math problems — you can find me out on the basketball court or running track!
Dylan Wong
Dylan has been building since he was four — from LEGOs to robotics kits, and now he's dabbling in coding. Hardworking and dedicated, he brings that same focus to his role as treasurer. PE, math, and lunch are his favorite parts of school, and outside of school he enjoys basketball, video games, and time with family and friends.
Open to all St. Matthew middle schoolers, grades 5-8.
2026–27 meeting schedule
Mon
Solar S'mores Ovens
Thermodynamics
Concept: Heat absorption, insulation, and solar radiation.
Project: Turn a pizza box into a solar oven using aluminum foil (to reflect light), plastic wrap (to trap heat), and black construction paper (to absorb heat).
Test: Put it out in the sun to melt chocolate and marshmallows for a sweet treat.
WorkshopTue
The "Egg Drop" Lander
Impact Force & Materials
Concept: Shock absorption, air resistance, and momentum.
Project: Design a protective cradle for a raw egg using everyday recyclables (straws, cotton balls, bubble wrap, rubber bands).
Test: Drop the creation from a high point (stairwell or ladder) to see if the egg survives without cracking.
ChallengeMon
Roller Coaster Physics
Kinetic & Potential Energy
Concept: Gravity, friction, momentum, and potential vs. kinetic energy.
Project: Use foam pipe insulation (cut in half lengthwise to make tracks), painter's tape, and marbles to design a roller coaster track down a wall or chairs.
Test: The marble must successfully complete a loop, a turn, and land safely in a cup at the end.
ChallengeNo meeting this month
The club takes a break for the holidays. When we do get to it, the plan is:
Paper Circuit Greeting Cards (Basic Electricity) — open/closed circuits, conductivity, and graphic design. Skip the microcontrollers and coding: use copper tape, a coin battery, and a few simple LED bulbs to create a glowing holiday or greeting card where pressing a specific spot on the paper lights up the art.
No meetingMon
Make Your Own Squishy
Polymers & Material Science
Concept: Polymer chains, cross-linking, and viscoelastic (stretchy vs. solid) behavior.
Project: Mix white glue, a borax-and-water solution, and a few drops of food coloring to create a stretchy, moldable polymer squishy; knead in cornstarch for a softer, less sticky texture.
WorkshopMon
Meeting — topic to be announced
Details coming soon. Update this card once the project for the month is set.
TBDTue
Aragon High School Robotics Club Presentation
The Aragon High School Robotics Club joins us to present at 4pm.
Guest SpeakerMon
Meeting — topic to be announced
Details coming soon. Update this card once the project for the month is set.
TBDMon
Guest Speakers: Burlingame High School Robotics Club
The Burlingame High School Robotics Club joins us as guest speakers this month.
Guest SpeakerTue
Year-end showcase — final meeting
Members present their favorite project from the year to families and parish.
CelebrationSupport the club
To make these projects possible, we are asking local businesses and community members for support.
A donation of $20 helps provide supplies for one hands-on STEAM activity, but gifts of any amount are greatly appreciated. Every contribution, big or small, helps us give students exciting opportunities to learn by doing.
Our goal is to make sure every student has the opportunity to explore, invent, and discover, regardless of financial circumstances. With your support, we can continue creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, programmers, artists, and innovators.
Thank you for considering supporting our STEAM Club. I truly appreciate your time, generosity, and consideration. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Our donors
Interested in joining this list? See the Give section above for how to support the club.