6th Grade Engineers Collaborating with 1st Graders...so fun!

Mrs. Isaacs's 6th graders invited Mrs. Till's 1st graders to join them in exploring the Engineering Design Process utilizing iPad apps and Vex Kits. The 6th graders even taught the first grade students about potential and kinetic energy with a pendulum they built with the Vex system.

One 6th grader commented about a first grade friend:  "She is 1/2 my age and almost as smart!" Quite a compliment from a 12 year old GREEN Charter Engineer!

Keeping an Egg Safe....Designing a Vehicle Restraint System

6th grade Students are starting their first PLTW Engineering module. For the next 2 weeks they will be exploring energy transfer and conversion.  The students begin by assembling a pendulum and vehicle utilizing the VEX IQ system and iPads in order to demonstrate the differences between potential and kinetic energy. Next the students will describe the relationship between speed and energy by building a ramp and testing vehicle collisions. Eventually the students will solve a problem by designing a restraint system for an egg in their VEX IQ vehicle. 

A Huff and a Puff WON'T Blow Our Houses Down!

Students in Mrs. Moss's Kindergarten class utilized the Engineering Design Process in order to build a house for pigs that the Big, Bad Wolf could not blow down. The students worked collaboratively in teams in order to design, build and test their houses. It was an exciting day of problem solving and creativity in Kindergarten!

ALL GIRLS AUTO KNOW

6th annual SC ALL GIRLS AUTO KNOW ~ GREEN middle school girls visited BMW. Presentations & displays were provided by automotive and college education representatives in order to promote STEM to Middle School girls. Tours were given enabling the girls to inquire about the numerous jobs provided by BMW, observe the BMW environment in the plant, and to see the process of how BMW cars are produced.

The girls completed a hands-on activity by using work instructions in order to understand the basic production process.

Together we can make a difference in getting more girls involved in STEM!

Hydropowered Cars? How about Solar?

4th Grade has been working hard to complete projects for our 2nd Annual Energy Expo! Many students have put together models to see hydropower and the Sun's energy in action. After a rainy weekend we finally had some sun and were able to test out our solar and water powered models outside. 

While putting together the models students got to experience the trials and excitements engineers face on a daily basis. Students received minimum help from adults while putting together their models and quickly learned the importance of patience and of following instructions. The engineering process can be a lengthy and stressful en devour. Though nothing could compare to the joy on the students' faces when they got to see all of their hard work had paid off. 

Not only did students get to practice their engineering skills, but also got an inside look of how gearboxes work to harness renewable energy. In putting the models together students got to see how energy flows through devices. Many students were able to determine that if their model was not functioning it could be as simple as a wire being loose. 

Now that the models are completed, students are excited to share their new knowledge with family members and peers at the Energy Expo. We hope to see you there!