Mrs. Page’s third-grade class recently returned to the STEAM lab for another exciting round of engineering challenges. Over the course of two days, the four student-led teams tackled four projects inspired by Black History Month and heroism.
Challenge 1: Spider Webs and Spidey Sense
Students explored the design, elasticity, and strength of spider webs, drawing inspiration from Spiderman’s trusty webs. Using lab materials like string, yarn, and wax rope, they constructed three-dimensional spider webs.
Challenge 2: Adinkra Cloths and Symbolic Design
The class delved into the meaningful symbols of Ghana’s Adinkra cloths. Students studied and copied Adinkra symbols onto graph paper, then used 3D pens to create three-dimensional designs.
Challenge 3: Monuments to Dr. King
Building on their earlier learning about monuments, students designed and built three-dimensional tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. using lab materials. The results showcased a range of creative interpretations, from realistic to abstract.
Challenge 4: Space Shuttle Endeavor
The final challenge involved studying blueprints of the Space Shuttle Endeavor, which carried astronaut Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space. Students drew and built models of the Endeavor using lab materials.
Frazier Park School’s STEAM Lab provides students with a collaborative and safe environment to develop their critical thinking and creative skills. By following the engineering process – asking questions, imagining solutions, planning, designing, and improving – Mrs. Page’s class is gaining valuable experience and having a blast.
As one enthusiastic student exclaimed, “When I’m an engineer…” The future is bright for these young innovators!
Principal McNelis visited the students as they were busy making their creations, and was thoroughly impressed by their ingenuity and creativity. “It’s clear that our students are building a strong foundation for the future – and that future is looking brighter by the minute!”
