How many marbles can you float – 3rd Grade Family STEM Night at Memorial
Third graders at Memorial School in Upton demonstrated their newly enhanced science, technology, engineering, and math skills (STEM) on Wednesday February 12 during the Family STEM night.
The third graders were bitten by “Catch the Science Bug”, a program that was brought to Memorial School from a grant written by Memorial PTO Co-President Julie DeZutter and funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council – STARS Residencies FY14 .
Through the program students practiced the engineering design process by gaining hands on experience solving real world engineering problems. Ms Kim Bent, scientist in residence and owner of “Catch the Science Bug” guided students in a process of self-directed, scientific discovery of the engineering design process.
Over a three-day period students were given different engineering tasks to create and design products with specific characteristics. The three projects included designing a boat that could hold weight, designing a wind turbine, and designing a twirler which needed to hit a target from a specific height. After each project students determined what worked and what changes could improve the product. Students were then allowed to redesign their products.
On February 12 the third grade students gave a presentation on their STEM experience. After the presentation families were presented with an engineering design challenge where they were given several items to design and create a tower strong enough to hold a golf ball. Families who created the tallest, most creative, and most stable structure for each class were recognized during an award presentation. Families enjoyed cupcakes and cookies at the end of the night. All students received a participation certificate.
Memorial School Principal Mrs. Swain hopes to add a STEM week school wide next year.
Awards Presented:
LOPES’ class
- Cecelia Van Norman and Family – Most Stable
- Kalya Antonelli and Family – Tallest
- Zachary Condon and AFmily – Most Creative
- Nicholas Collins & Family – Honorable Mention
MAGLIONE’S Class
- Dainel Fransen & Family – Most Stable
- Sean Hurley & Family – Tallest
- Caitlin Walsh & Family – Most Creative
- Allie Ryan & Family – Honorable Mention
HENDERSON’S Class
- Mallory Chace & Family – Most Stable
- Jacob Snow & Family – Tallest
- Victor Horton & Family – Most Creative
- Ella Iadarola & Family – Honorable Mention
WEBSTER’S Class
- Caroline Brighim & Family – Most Stable
- Alex Taylor & Family – Tallest
- Dylan Smith & Family – Most Creative
- Jessie Armstrong & Family – Honorable Mention – Second Tallest
PRINCIPAL CHOICE
- Julia Bern & Family
UPTON DAILY 