Standing Strong
12/8/2017
U.S. Department of Commerce reported that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) occupations are increasing at 17% while all other jobs grow at about 9%. STEM is, therefore, our future. At PNA, we aim to prepare students for the real world as independent independent thinkers and exceptional learners. STEM is one way to achieve that goal. But remember, STEM is not a craft, nor it is meant to replace the Science curriculum. It is meant to help students achieve higher order thinking skills and build problem solving skills as they collaborate solving real-life problems.
Their STEM challenge was to build a structure to withstand severe weather. Severe weather often comes with powerful winds and can be very damaging! They needed to build a structure that can stay standing during strong wind and ice storms.
During the activity, students had to apply their content knowledge on weather and at the same time incorporate 21st century skills where they think, design, make mistakes, and even fail. Part of the process is about exploring multiple ideas to see which works best. When time was up, each student presented their structure. A blow dryer and ice cubes (wind and ice storm) were used to test if the structures can withstand severe weather.
Ultimately, in the end, STEM has great benefits that create innovative thinkers, productive team workers, decision makers, and students who have a love for learning!
Special thanks to all 3rd grade parents who participated and for bringing scrumptious food!
Source: http://engineeringforkids.com/article/02-02-2016_importanceofstem
Comments are closed.
|
Jessica GrahamMs. Graham graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, and is currently working on her master's in reading. She enjoys hiking, traveling, arts & crafts, and playing the ukulele. Archives
April 2021
Categories |