R.F. Patterson?s ACE Program S.T.E.A.M. Challenge

Third and fourth grade students in R.F. Patterson?s ACE program (Afterschool Centers on Education) have been working on a S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art, math) challenge. {{more: continue …}}

 

The challenge involves an award-winning science kit by Thames & Kosmos entitled ?Remote-control Machines Space Explorers.?

 

This kit includes several different experiments to build various vehicles used in outer space such as Curiosity Rover, a Rocket Launch car, Lunar Rover, and many more. Each experiment has detailed instructions to follow, which requires students to use their critical thinking skills to figure out not only how to build the machine, but how it functions once its built.

 

The experiment manual shares real-life examples of how each of the vehicles are used with NASA?s space program. Building one of these machines has taken several weeks of tedious work afterschool, but students have not lost their focus or G.R.I.T.

 

They have continued to work together in teams or groups until their projects are finished. Once they are finished building, they will be able to use the remote-control technology to have their space vehicle perform functions.

 

With the Rocket Launch Car (pictured above), they have a challenge from ?Mission Control? where they will have to drive the vehicle two meters forward but then also position the rocket to a 25-degree angle to launch.

 

Students will have to use a protractor and meter stick to make sure that the challenge is completed. Working on this series of experiments have helped their math and science skills take-off.

 

Article originally appeared in KISD October Newsletter published by Tracy Williams, KISD Public Relations Coordinator