STEM Newsletter: April 2021, Volume 1, Issue 5

WHAT IS STEM AT MACDONOUGH?

Students at the Macdonough STEM Academy are exposed to interdisciplinary units of study that have at their foundation a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Students are provided the opportunity to become independent learners and thinkers through Project-Based Learning.

All of our projects focus on the Engineering Design Process in order to solve real-world problems.

Impact of Project-Based Learning (PBL) on Student Development

ENGINEER OF THE MONTH

Our Engineer of the Month is Yasheska from Mrs. Ciccia’s first grade class! Yasheska used the Engineering Design Process and developed a hypothesis during Mrs. Senna’s makerspace class. Yasheska made a prediction about the shape of the bubble as it blew out of her wand. She CREATED her wand using a pipe cleaner and beads to secure the structure in place. She was so excited to find out her prediction was correct. Keep up the great work, Yasheska!

INVENTION CONVENTION 2021

We are so proud of our fourth and fifth grade students who participated in the Invention Convention. Not only did these students use the Engineering Design Process to create an invention, they developed a virtual presentation for their audience. Students used platforms such as WeVideo and Screencastify to record their presentation. We encourage all students to continue creating inventions to solve real world problems.

Nuclear Hydroelectric Generator

"Get your nuclear power more efficiently." -Adler, Grade 5

The MaskerAid

"Keep it neat, keep it clean! A system to organize your masks." -Clare, Grade 4

Xylo-Walk

"My invention makes it so that you don't have to carry a backpack on your back anymore!" -Stella, Grade 5

STEM ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE

We will be hosting a virtual open house on April 15th at 6:30 PM via Zoom. We will provide an overview of our STEM instruction, Project-Based Learning, the Engineering Design Process, and examples of our students in action! An application for new families will be sent out shortly after our open house. Please spread the word. We are excited about the learning opportunities at Macdonough STEM Academy.

Are You In Need of a Yard Sign?

Thank you to all of our families and communities members who have displayed their yard signs within the neighborhood. Please contact Lauren Mikulak via email at mikulakl@mpsct.org or through ClassDojo if you are still in need of a yard sign.

STEM ACTIVITIES DURING APRIL BREAK

Looking for hands-on activities over break? Check out these ideas…

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