McAlder Blog

There’s a new robotic waiter in the STEM room! CCS sixth graders have become restaurateurs! Combining Microsoft technology with robotics, students create a fictitious restaurant, and then program robots to complete automated tasks such as delivering food. Hi, my name is Rene Perry, and. I am proud to lead Cascade Christian’s elementary STEM program!

STEM learning ties science, technology, engineering, and math into open-ended activities that foster curiosity and build critical thinking skills. By collaborating toward a solution, students at Cascade Christian develop a variety of skills. STEM “engineers” learn how to evaluate information and figure out how to use it. With the world becoming an increasingly complex place, it is important for children to prepare themselves to participate in the future workforce and understand how technology can assist them. Beyond the practical, it is just fun!

• Kindergarten engineers are “civil engineers.” Students learn to work through the design process together. They build, test, and modify mini–golf clubs, zip lines, and parachutes!
   
• All first grade students can be found exploring space, using their iPads as virtual telescopes. These scientists also examine the Earth and its major habitats through hands-on projects such as LEGO habitat builds and biomimicry treasure boxes.
   
• Second grade “earth scientists” get messy! They take a close look at dirt, create compost, analyze soil samples, plant seedlings, and study natural landmarks using the Google Earth app.
   
• Neutral buoyancy is the goal for third grade “flight engineers.” After experimenting with the forces of flight, engineers design an insect that can remain buoyant inside a wind tunnel.
   
• Fourth grade students are “chemical engineers.” These mathematicians graph mixtures and create solutions. Exploration continues as solutions are tested for pH balance, numbered, and sequenced through the use of iPads. Students also investigate collisions. What is kinetic and potential energy? Students create mini-vehicles and design “egg-ceptional packaging” in order to improve safety during a collision.
   
• “I got it to work!” Fifth grade “electrical engineers” learn the basics of circuitry. Paper circuits are used to create illuminated art pieces, an underwater coral reef, and a downtown skyscraper! Students use glow germs and a LOT of research as they track down, “Who is Patient Zero?”

Students at Cascade Christian have the opportunity to find their inspired purpose inside a STEM room!