Course: 5th-7th STEM Project-based learning

Welcome to an exciting, hands-on adventure in our 5th–7th Grade STEM class where curiosity meets creativity, and problem-solving is part of the fun! In this class, students will dive deep into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through engaging projects, real-world challenges, and collaborative activities designed to stretch their thinking and inspire innovation.

Returning students are encouraged to register again! This year’s projects and activities will be different from last year’s, offering new opportunities to apply your STEM knowledge, tackle fresh challenges and deepen your problem-solving skills.

Students will explore key STEM topics, possibly including:

• Simple Machines & Mechanical Advantage: Discover how levers, pulleys, and gears work together to make tasks easier.
• Forces, Motion, & Energy Transfer: Investigate how different forces affect movement and how energy changes form.
• Renewable Energy Solutions: Explore sustainable energy sources like wind, solar, and water to understand their impact on the environment.
• Structural Engineering & Design: Learn what makes bridges, towers, and other structures stable, strong, and efficient.

A key part of our learning process is the Engineering Design Process (EDP), where students will:
Ask questions, Imagine creative solutions, Plan thoughtful designs, Create prototypes, and Improve based on testing and feedback. This cycle encourages critical thinking, resilience, and a growth mindset as students learn from both successes and failures.

Hands-on activities might include:

1. Parachute Drop Experiment: Design parachutes using various materials to optimize air resistance and control descent speed, applying concepts of gravity, drag, and surface area.
2. Catapult Construction: Build functional catapults to explore projectile motion, force, angles, and the mechanics of levers in action.
3. Wind Turbine Experiment: Create and test wind turbines to see how wind energy can be converted into mechanical energy, focusing on design efficiency.

We hope to use an online maker space program again next year. If so, there will be an opportunity for up to three class days in which students will be invited to bring a laptop to class for individual or partner participation. This is NOT a requirement as I will project the screen for all students to see and participate, but is an option. There will also be an opportunity for at-home work with access to this program. More information about this will come in the summer.

This STEM class is more than just experiments—it’s about thinking critically, solving problems, and discovering how STEM shapes the world around us. Students will leave with hands-on skills, a deeper understanding of real-world applications, and the confidence to tackle any challenge with curiosity and creativity!

Class payment options accepted: Venmo, PayPal, check.
A minimum of 6 students must be registered for the course to proceed as scheduled.