The first graders have been exploring open and closed circuits. Working in groups of three they have helped create a three legged "Doodle Bots". This week they are experimenting with different materials to make a propeller that makes the bot jump and wiggle and doodle. The children chose materials and where to attach them to the motor to get their bot to groove. They also noticed that some materials were too light or too heavy and that if the battery was tired their bot wouldn't dance.
0 Comments
First and Second grade students worked through a variety of holiday themed STEM challenges. They built steps for Santa's elves to climb into his sleigh. They created a "telescope" to help Santa see far. They created stockings for Santa to fill as well as several other tasks using problem solving, engineering and a variety of hands-on practice. The middle school students created maker proposals this month. They researched and submitted their idea on what they wanted to work on. Students choose wood burning projects, 3D Pen projects, stop motion projects, sewing projects and soldering sculpture projects. As they have finished they have been assisting classmates or choosing new activities. They love the freedom and choices and I love the creativity and skill building. Today it was so wonderful to see how the MakerSpace has become the heart of our building. The first picture shows the middle school students doing science research, the 3rd graders working on a STEM building/coding project and some junior kindergartners using the library area and others using the engineering toys. Our DI Lite Rising Stars group has kicked off and is up to the challenges their Managers are tossing their way. Today they had to create a bridge over "water" that would allow a "boat" to go under and that would span a distance longer than a pencil. They did a great job meeting the challenge. They learned how triangles are stronger than flat paper...they are so strong that cardboard is full of triangles!
The third graders are continuing working on the coding and MakeyMakey projects. This time, they are making game controllers in any way they want. They are developing a variety of games that these controllers can interact with. It's fun to see the creative juices flowing!
The kindergarten students enjoyed a variety of STEM centers today. There were a mix of building/engineering activities with some coding challenges. It's fun to see the brain building going on. |
AuthorI'm Mrs. G - and we're doing great things in the ECA STEM program this year! Categories
All
Archives
February 2018
|