Project-Based Learning: Trash to Treasure
As we transition into a STEM school, every grade engages in STEM related activities, including Project-Based Learning, which provides students with real world connections, engineering-design thinking, and an opportunity to develop a solution to a community problem. In second grade, Ms. Jukins and Mrs. Paul are guiding students as they discover water and land pollution in our Middletown community. Students had the opportunity to interview Dr. Kat Owens, a Macdonough parent, who spent 6 months with her family in India investigating plastic pollution. Students are in the process of reusing plastics to create art work, which will encourage others not to litter and find ways to reuse recyclable materials.
Students were asked to draw a realistic picture of marine life. Reality set in with students were asked to glue plastic pollution on their illustration, and realized the impact created.
Engineer of the Month
Our Engineer of the Month is Samantha M. from Mrs. Lata’s third grade class. Samantha observed the difference in temperatures of hot vs. cold water. She used the ASK stage of the Engineering Design Process to hold a discussion with her classmates via Zoom. Samantha continuously adjusted her Chromebook so that her group members could observe the physical change of the thermometer as the temperature increased. Samantha made the realization that it is important to understand temperature to determine how to dress appropriately for all weather. Great job, Samantha!
Recursos STEM en Español
¿Buscas libros STEM en español? Cada estudiante tiene una cuenta con Epic donde pueden acceder a libros en español. Si su hijo necesita ayuda, comuníquese con la Sra. Senna @ sennaa@mpsct.org.
Looking for a STEM project to do at home? Check out a Makerspace LIVE project recently assigned!
Students were asked to find each letter in their first name using household objects such as magazines, keyboards, and graphic designs. Once students found each letter, they were asked to take a picture of it and upload it to their platforms. This is an engaging and easy project you can do at home with your children. They followed the Engineering Design Process as they planned, created, improved and presented their final product.
