 |
 |
| Splash photo by Treva Lind |
Brock Brito and Carson Snider work on building a zoo rescue device at the STEM Camp held at Spokane Valley Tech.
|
|
|
|
|
In the April Wave: STEM-tacular experience; Wave announces contest winner; Area activities in April
3/30/2015 3:42:12 PM
STEM-tacular experience
After-school camp allows students to experiment in STEM areas
By Treva Lind
Splash Contributor
Imagine a class that has elementary students design and build a zoo rescue device for a tiger trapped in its enclosure. All materials are provided for the one-hour challenge-ready, set, go!
About 40 Liberty Lake Elementary fourth graders got that chance as part of a free afterschool STEM camp at Spokane Valley Tech, 115 S. University in Spokane Valley. The group of students attended Tuesday and Thursday afternoon sessions March 3-19 geared toward STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
Each session ran nearly two hours. One session included hands-on work to keep a raw egg "safe" as it rode on a car down a ramp on a collision course with a wall. For the project, students built the car as well as built, designed and tested the egg restraint. They used an energy chart to measure the results.
On March 12, students had a quick activity centered around the difference between energy transformation and energy transfer. Energy transformation is when energy changes from one form to another such as when electrical energy flowing through wires is converted to light and heat energy in a lightbulb. Energy transfer is the process of transferring energy from one body to another, such as heat from the stove burner transferring heat to a pot to boil water. Teams of student got to match illustrated examples of energy transformation versus transfer.
After that, students used VEX robotics kits for more exploring about energy by building the zoo rescue device. Teams of two to six students worked together to solve the problem. The tiger needed a pulley and lever system that would safely lift the animal from a ravine where it had fallen. The device had to support the animal without pulling on the tiger's neck, tail or legs.
"You'll get your VEX kit, and the iPads have your directions," said STEM coordinator Camille Nielsen. "Your challenge is to use tools and technology that engineers use."
Nielsen leads the STEM Camp along with one to two teachers and Spokane Valley Tech high school student volunteers. Fourth graders from all 12 CVSD elementary school and Summit School were invited to participate, and applicants were randomly selected, Nielsen said.
"It's cool to see how it works, like an engineer trying to solve a problem," said Brooke Pederson, 10. She worked at a table with four students, who asked each other where to place a string so it worked best in the system.
By the end of the hour, most teams had pieced together a movable pulley device.
Other Central Valley School District students from schools that included Chester and South Pines also attended STEM Camp for recent sessions. In April, students from McDonald and University elementary schools will attend.
Opened in September 2012, Spokane Valley Tech is a collaborative effort by Central Valley, East Valley, Freeman and West Valley school districts. The school offers 10 rigorous programs for high school juniors and seniors to gain technical skills and experience in STEM industries.
• • •
Local kids use eggs as contest canvas
Wave announces spring contest winner
HOBBS |
In the March issue, The Wave offered a contest where kids were asked to creatively decorate an Easter egg. We received several colorful entries from local kids who got in the spirit of Easter a little early.
Our judges selected Sam Hobbs' multicolored egg as first prize in the contest. For his prize, the Liberty Lake 7-year-old was given an Easter basket full of toys and treats.
Thank you to all the kids who entered eggs in this coloring challenge. Be sure to watch for more contests in future issues of The Wave!
• • •
Area activities in April
With a circus in town, frogs on the loose and plenty of egg hunts, the Valley is the place to be in April! Check out just some of this month's kid-friendly events below.
Photos with the Easter Bunny
April 1 to 4, various times
JC Penney Court, Spokane Valley Mall
Over 50,000 eggs plus jump castles, a petting zoo, face painting, pictures with the Easter Bunny and an appearance of the Minions at this free event.
Liberty Lake Easter Egg Hunt
Pavillion Park, Liberty Lake
Registration of $3 or six eggs filled with wrapped candy occurs March 30 and April 2 at Liberty Lake Municipal Library.
Community Easter Egg Hunt
April 4, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Valley Real Life, 1831 S. Barker Road
The family event includes egg hunts for children up to fifth grade, carnival games, prizes, inflatables, concessions and more.
CHS/Primeland Park, Rockford
Millwood Community Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood
Free hot dogs and games for kids will be available prior to sending frogs down Rock Creek.
April 17-19, various times
Spokane Valley Mall parking lot
General admission tickets start at $10.
Advertisement
|
 |
