In recognition of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)-based skills required in many sectors of the workforce, the SEL Schools seek to provide students opportunities to learn and develop these crucial skills through its curriculum. At the K-3 building level, students are offered a STEM encore class. Under the direction of Sunview K-3 STEM teacher Kayla Giterman, students recently completed several exciting and creative projects. After reading the book, Rosie Revere Engineer as a class, the students embarked on creating their very own “flying machines” which the main character Rosie attempts to create with her great aunt. The project incorporated the design process by requiring the students to complete specific steps in order, including identifying a problem, planning, and building, evaluating their design, and improving on the overall design. Working in table groups, students had ten minutes to plan their design after reviewing the materials provided and then spent the remainder of the class to build and evaluate their “flying machines,” making sure that it featured wings, a cutout of Rosie inside, and that it was able to go down a zipline made of string. Students were engaged throughout and enjoyed the opportunity to learn collaboratively as young engineers! 

An additional STEM class project completed by students featured the creation of an “elevator” capable of lifting a toy person using materials provided by their families such as boxes, string, paper towel rolls, straws, chopsticks, and more. Through hands-on and collaborative learning, the STEM Class is providing students a solid foundation for future success!