The Woodstock Elementary School STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Innovation Lab and Makerspace is an exploratory learning space that strives to infuse the STEM disciplines into the broader curriculum. We have established a science, engineering and design learning lab in its own dedicated space, preparing our students today with the critical thinking, designing, engineering and problem solving skills they need to fill the jobs of tomorrow!
In STEM recently, K-2nd grade students were able to participate in a visiting workshop from the Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP), where they were able to study wind power. Kindergartners created "pin wheels" while first and second grade students engineered sail "boats" to maximize their power and efficiency. It was a very fun day. Many thanks to Julian Leon of VEEP!
Fifth and sixth graders have been studying robotics for several weeks. It is part of a larger project where Mrs Giller (literacy teacher) has been having the students argue for or against the colonization of Mars. They watched the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch, and are modeling the solar system in science with Jill Kurash.
As an engineering challenge, first grade students were given a variety of ramp materials, blocks, and other items and asked to get a ping-pong ball from one end of the STEM Lab to the other.
This last video ended up accidentally in slow motion. I love it!
Fourth grade has been studying electricity, conductivity, and insulating materials. We discovered that human bodies conduct electricity (in small amounts) and so does a special kind of play-dough, called squishy circuits.
