STEM Gallery – 1st, 6th, 7th, and 8th

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In Mrs. Blanco’s first grade class, they engineered spider webs which allow arachnids to catch their meals. They also observed that plants have tubes which carry water and nutrients through the roots, stems, and leaves.

In Ms. Semandiris’ 6th grade Social Studies class, students are currently studying Mesopotamia. They learned about Sumerian Water Clocks and made them in class. This invention came after the Sundial so that people could tell time at night. The Water Clocks were also used by the Egyptians and Greeks. In fact, the water clock or “clepsydra” from the the Greek “Kleptein” –  to Steal and “Hydor” – water, was used in the Athenian Assembly to time the citizens while they were speaking on an issue they were debating.

In Mr. Ritscher’s 8th grade science class, they tested their popsicle stick bridges. In 8th grade algebra class they measured the slope of Charlestown Street hill (it was 10.6 degrees!)

In Mr. Ritscher’s 7th grade science class, students made a trebuchet. Here is the result.

The conclusion of one of the 7th grader’s essays about rocket design:

“…One thing that I learned about engineering is that it is something that I would really like to do when I grow up. I really got into the whole thing of designing and building all that stuff.

I also learned that engineering is not easy; it is a whole lot of trial and error. This can be very frustrating at times but eventually you get it just right.

This was probably one of the coolest science projects that I have ever done. If we hadn’t done it, I might not have found out that I really enjoy engineering. Overall we did not have the best rocket but we had fun and learned lots about not just engineering but thinking outside the box.”