RESERVE — Pampering with a purpose was the order of the day when Fifth Ward Elementary School joined forces with STEM NOLA for a spa day at the school.

Third and fourth grade girls and their moms, grandmas and other important females in their lives learned the science behind beauty products by getting hands-on with facial masks, scrubs, lip balm, perfume, aromatherapy, bath bombs and more.

Principal Brandy Vaughn said the spa day was the perfect opportunity to combine science, health and wellness lessons for the girls.

“They are at an age where they are starting to become body conscious so why not delve into what science goes into all of this,” she said. “Rather than harsh chemicals are there natural alternatives to these products so they can make a conscious decision whether to buy them.

“We also thought it was a great opportunity for parental involvement because these girls look up to their moms.”

The STEM activity is one of several Fifth Ward Elementary School has partnered with STEM NOLA to offer its students this school year.

Other STEM programs with STEM NOLA will include an introduction to STEM for kindergarten students, building models of the heart and a community-wide STEM event to wrap up the school year.