Last week our STEM Teams discussed the beautiful Petronas Twin Towers located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our STEM challenges focused on creating two symmetrical towers with a bridge. The students used their knowledge of foundation, support, balance, gravity and symmetry to create their structure. K-1st Grade STEM CHALLENGE week 8:: Using 100 blocks, build two symmetrical towers with a bridge connecting the towers. Our kindergarten and first grade STEM team members worked in groups of four to construct their symmetrical towers with a connecting bridge. When the students completed the task, they took a picture of their structure and some were even able to take a short video explaining the challenge. K-1st Grade STEM CHALLENGE week 9:: With your partner, can you create a marble LEGO maze? The students must have the following included in their maze: a minimum of 4 right angle turns, a beginning and end and must use the entire blue LEGO board. 2nd-4th Grade STEM CHALLENGE weeks 8-9:
Using 100 blocks, how long can you build a structurally sound bridge that connects two symmetrical towers? Our second through fourth grade STEM team members also worked in groups of four to construct their structures for the challenge. Half the class worked on the bridge challenge and the other half worked on finishing their ThingLink Project. Please ask your child what ThingLink is. I am in awe of the collaboration, teamwork and creativity from ALL STEM team members! Coming Up- Using Google Earth to view and take pictures of the structures we have studied for an iMovie we will create over the entire Structure Project. Please feel free to stop by the STEM room after your parent/teacher conference. The STEM room is located in the 4th grade hallway.
I will be available this week on the following dates and times. Tuesday, October 15 ~ 5-8 pm Wednesday, October 16 ~ 5-8 pm Thursday, October 17 ~ 5-6 pm If the above dates and times do not meet your schedule and you would like to meet with me, please email me at [email protected] to set up a date and time. Have a great day! Betsy Kipling This week we used two Engineering Apps in STEM. Our K-1 STEM Team members worked together on an app called Train World. When students are using the Train World app they become an Engineer! The students must use both right and left brain thinking while collaborating with their partner. STEM team members, strategically must lay train tracks and navigate around objects, accounting for angles, in order to earn points throughout the world.
Our 3-4th grade STEM Team members collaborated on an app called Bridge Constructor. In Bridge Constructor the students must prove themselves to be an accomplished master bridge Engineer. Bridges are built over deep valleys, canals, and rivers. Stress tests reveal whether the bridge built can withstand the daily stress of continual use from cars and trucks. There are a wide range of materials to be used, such as, wood, steel, cables and concrete pilings. STEM Team members must use the appropriate elements and stay within budget to build the perfect bridge. There are numerous solutions and approaches to building the bridge, however the students must stay within budget! This app allows for creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication and uses all four areas of STEM! Our amazing 2nd grade STEM Team members were able to try a little of both apps and decide which app they enjoyed the most! Week 6: Asymmetry Challenge! Check out the attached iMovie! The asymmetry challenge was difficult and required teamwork and critical thinking! Way to go STEM TEAM! |