On Tuesday, September 26, twenty-five students from Ohio Northern University conducted a STEM Academy (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) for all 3rd, 4th 5th and 6th grade students at Continental Elementary School.
After an opening assembly each of the students participated in four different mini-workshops throughout the day. Each workshop was 55 minutes long, conducted by three ONU engineering students.
One of the projects that the elementary students undertook was a project management and communication exercise with gum drops and tooth picks. A project manager facilitated the construction of a geometrical shape, with the actual work being done by students who did not get to see the model.
Another project was the design and construction of bridge trusses made from spaghetti and masking tape. The trusses were tested for strength at the end of the period. Students also designed and built sail boats, and tested their prototypes in a trough, with wind provided by an electric fan. Other projects included the design/ build of space ships, and another project built hover boards.
The student workshop coordinators are from all of the engineering disciplines. The leadership is assumed by students enrolled in Engineering Education. Engineering Education is a unique program, not mirrored anywhere in the country at the undergraduate level. Engineering Ed majors graduate with a bachelor’s degree in general engineering. They are also awarded a teaching certificate to teach high school math, and a math minor.
Graduates of the program have found themselves in teaching positions in local junior and senior high STEM programs, training programs within local industry, and graduate school. The Director of the Engineering Education program is Dr. Todd France, who assisted at Continental Elementary school throughout the day.
