STEM and Spend
In February, Watauga Elementary hosted a STEM night for students and families of third through fifth grades. With a winter theme, students explored activities based on science, technology, engineering, and math principles. Third grade students had an opportunity to explore two different activities with their co-teachers and fellow classmates. Given a “pet,” students had to consider how to build a proper shelter for their animal. After measuring their pet, students used marshmallows and toothpicks to build a shelter that was appropriate for the size of their pet and one that could be entered and exited with ease by the pet. This required students to use measuring tools and spatial reasoning to build the best shelter for their pet. Students enjoyed naming their pets and discussing where their pets lived, what they ate, and why they needed shelter.
In the next activity, students built a stick-athlete using pipe cleaners to race against fellow classmates. Students had the option to build a snowboard, sled, or skis using craft sticks, tape, and pennies (for weight). Students had to attach their stick-athlete to their chosen snow-sport equipment. Once built, students challenged their classmates to race down a ramp. Students then made modifications to their designs to improve their stick-athlete’s speed and proficiency at staying upright down the ramp.
In late March, third grade students enjoyed the chance to save-and-spend at the annual Kids Marketplace event held in the school gymnasium. Using their knowledge of how a budget works and the difference between economic choices and opportunity costs, students made decisions on how to provide for their wants and needs. Each student had an assigned career and budget to spend. Students visited various stations such as Clothing, Transportation, Housing, Insurance, the Animal Shelter, and more. Many students learned through trial and error that even pretend money doesn’t go far!