One of The Main Street Academy's schoolwide goals this school year is to provide S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) instruction to all students in grades K-8. Each month, TMSA will highlight different grade levels and provide a snapshot of some of the AMAZING S.T.E.A.M. experiences our scholars are engaging in.
This month, September, we turn our focus to Mrs. Williams’ 4th grade S.T.E.A.M. scholars who have been learning about The Engineering Design Process (EDP) and applying their knowledge through an engineering design challenge. Students were tasked with building the tallest tower using up to 50 index cards. Students identified the problem and assessed the constraints, brainstormed ideas, designed solutions, built models, and are currently testing, modifying, and retesting their prototypes. Students have also been "synergizing" (Leader In Me Habit 6) as they go through the steps of the EDP.
The engineering design challenge is conducted in groups within homerooms, and then there will be a final grade-level challenge amongst the winning groups from each homeroom! The students are extremely competitive, and they are excited to collaborate, research, and make modifications as they strive to win the challenge. #FutureEngineers
Photo Credit: Mrs. K. Williams