Local seventh graders tackle STEM projects
While the eighth graders were taking the STAAR test on Thursday, May 16, Breckenridge seventh graders were gathered in the gyms, building bridges, towers, tracks and catapults.
BJHS Principal Mary Perkins, standing left, and teacher Kimela Walker work with seventh graders who are building a bridge out of newspapers. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/ Breckenridge Texan)
“We are testing this week, so the kids who were not testing needed something to do,” said Breckenridge Junior High School Principal Mary Perkins. “The whole idea of this project is STEM learning. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and they are using all of those things in doing these projects.”
Thursday morning, the seventh graders were divided into two large groups in LT Cook Gymnasium and the junior high gym. In LT Cook, smaller groups were using craft sticks and rubber bands to devise catapults that would send marshmallows flying through the air. Across the gym, more groups were rolling up newspapers to construct bridges.
At the junior high gym, the students were competing to see who could build the tallest tower with uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows. Others were using newspapers to create tracks to race marbles.
While the students worked on their projects, Perkins and several teachers circulated among the groups, offering advice and asking questions to encourage the kids to figure out the best solutions.
For each day of STAAR testing last week, BJHS offered activities for the students who weren’t testing. One of the other activities included Adulting 101 lessons, such as how to change a tire, how to balance a checkbook, how to interview for a job, etc.
For more photos from the STEM activities, click here to see the Breckenridge Texan’s photo gallery.
Story by Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan
Cutline, top photo: Breckenridge seventh graders collaborate in creating catapults from craft sticks and rubber bands. The activity was designed to encourage the students to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
