STEM: A World in Motion

 More STEM Fun!

Our small school has been lucky to be awarded a Iowa Governor's STEM Step-Up grant during the last 2 school years.  We applied to be part of the "A World in Motion" program.  This program has provided wonderful STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) focused curriculum for grades K-5. Our students have enjoyed units such as "Rolling Things" (science of ramps), "Straw Rockets", and "Jet Toys."  This year the first/second graders are looking forward to designing pinball machines in "Pinball Designer" when Mrs. Hemann returns from her maternity leave.  Third graders have just finished their unit "Engineering Inspired By Nature". 

Today we wrapped up our unit that focused on creating a toy flier that could stay in the air for a long time.  This toy design was to be inspired by the way seeds move in nature.  We had a lot of great team designs, and we enjoyed a day of drop time racing to test the fliers.  Congratulations to our Sparkle Stars group on their winning design.  Student teams used the engineering process to guide their work.  Teams also did a fabulous job of explaining their design and its modifications to the class.    I've included several pictures from today's "Drop Time Racing" event below.  You can also check out student comments on how to build the best toy flier on our Kid Blog page.  Student replies are found under Mrs. Adams' blog entry:  Engineering Inspired By Nature.  A quick link to our Kid Blog page can be found at the top of our blog in red under Team Adams Classroom Links.