Third Graders Compete In STEM Rocket Challenge

Marti Lotman
Third grade students took part in a STEM straw rocket challenge earlier this quarter. Each student in the third grade received a straw, white copier paper, index cards, scissors and scotch tape and set to work trying to build an aerodynamic rocket. The goal was to make the most stable, streamlined rocket possible with the materials given to them. The student in each third grade class with the rocket that flew the farthest was a winner!

Third grade teacher Susan Keller said she found the idea on a science website that offers hands-on engineering projects.

“Seeing the students enthusiasm for the activity and listening to their thoughts and ideas on design choices such as rocket nose shape, what diameter the body of their rocket should be, where they should place tape or what fins they should add definitely made the project exciting for all the third grade science teachers,” Keller said.

Keller said she hopes the project sparked an enthusiasm for engineering in her students.

“Learning to keep testing and trying out ideas without fear of failure is important.” Keller said. “Creativity, curiosity and analytical thinking are essential tools for an engineer. Projects like this are designed to foster those traits.”

Science coordinator Susan Bickel has been working closely with each grade level to find ways to implement STEM activities into the lower school curriculum.




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A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
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