STEM Projects
Project-Based learning and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) projects are a key part of our daily activities at Acton Columbus. Below are just some of the projects we’ve worked on this year.
COding and robotics
Our second session of the year was the “Coding and Robotics” session. During this time period, Eagles spent time learning how to code and applying that coding knowledge to control robots - movement, sound, lighting.
Many of our Eagles loved learning how to code that they took the activity and robots home. There is no limit to what they can do when you allow them to pursue their passion on their own - without homework and assignments.
Volcano
What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? What’s the appropriate mix to get the best explosion? How do you make a paper mache? How do you turn all that academic knowledge into a volcano?
Equipped with science knowledge, the Eagles used their creative and critical thinking skills to work together and build a volcano that could erupt.
marble Run
Our Eagles love playing with Marble Run and were challenged with creating their own marble run. Through this STEM challenge, they needed to figure out how to slow down a marble. They built loops for the marble to go through and designed areas of friction to cause additional slow downs. They used different types of materials, experimented through challenges to build their own marble run.
SLIME
Slime is universally a favorite activity. Making slime is about chemistry and combining the right items together in the right quantity- baking soda, water, shaving cream, contact lens solution, and food coloring. Working through a number of challenges, going through multiple failures, our Eagles persevered to create slime they were able to play with for weeks.
FERRIS WHeel
The ferris wheel was considered an engineering wonder when it was first built. The support, the axles, the rotation and, of course, the big wheel, are all complex parts to put together. Our Eagles put on their engineer hats and, after multiple failures each, came up with various working models for the ferris wheel.