
The STEM Lab
Linton Elementary
THIRD NINE WEEKS NEWSLETTER
Engineering Units
This past nine weeks students have taken a closer look at STEM career fields. The following are the fields grade levels have studied. Students used the Engineering Design Process to work together and solve problems.
Kindergarten: CIVIL ENGINEERING
Civil engineering creates lots of things our society needs. There are many types of civil engineers. They design roads, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams, landfills, drinking water systems, sewer systems, and stormwater drainage systems. Civil engineers use math, science, physics, and lots of creativity every day, and they are always seeking innovative ways to make infrastructure function better and more safely.
Source: https://www.maulfoster.com/about-us/mfa-kids-learn-about-civil-engineering/
Arched Bridges
Mrs. Parades' students worked as a team and made a long arched bridge.
Truss Bridges
Students learned that the triangle is the strongest of all shapes and a truss bridge uses a combination of triangles to support heavy weight! Students tested the strength of their truss bridge.
Suspension Bridges
All kinder classes made a suspension bridge that are displayed in our library for all to see!
Beam Bridge
Mr. Espinoza's students built a wildlife beam bridge to support the weight of several animals.
City Road Map
Mrs. Hernandez's students planning their city roads.
Beam Bridge
Mrs. Serenil's students made a beam bridge that was tall and long enough to fit a moving robot underneath.
1st grade: ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Earth’s environment makes life possible. Environmental engineers focus on ways to sustain and improve the natural environment. Environmental engineers gain expertise in how to design water and wastewater treatment systems, how to reduce air pollution and how to remediate sites impacted by hazardous materials.
Hydroponics (pinto beans)
Did you know that seeds could grow without soil?! First grade students learned about the germination of a seed and its life cycle.
Hydroponics (lima beans)
In this picture, we continued to explore hydroponics by growing this lima bean indoors with the use of a UV light.
Aqueducts
Students learned that aqueducts were used to transport water from place to place and created their own.
2nd & 3rd grade: AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Aerospace engineers constantly develop and improve on the science of aviation. Airplanes, spaceships, drones, and paper airplanes are all examples of aviation.
Paper Rockets
Student designed and tested a paper rocket to learn about thrust force.
Parachutes
Students tested the effects of drag on an object by making parachutes.
Paper Airplanes
Students designed and tested paper airplanes and changed some elements to see how it changes their flight.
4th & 5th grade: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Electrical engineering is the name for the field in which people invent, create, improve and fix electronic devices, tools and equipment. Electrical engineers use lots of math, science and research to develop all kinds of small and large devices and the electrical circuits that help them run.
Light Up Valentine Flower
Students designed a simple circuit to light up tissue flowers to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Makey Makey
Makey Makey turns everyday objects into your computer's keyboard! Students tested the conductivity of everyday items to power the Makey Makey.
Snap Circuits
In this activity students tested both series and parallel circuits with moving parts, lights, and sounds.
The Engineer Song
Ms. Garcia
STEM Teacher
Email: shannon-1.garcia@nisd.net
Phone: 210-397-0750
Twitter: @Shannonygarcia