For the first week of school STEM is already being highlighted in the classroom. Oasis Academy third graders put their problem-solving skills to the test with a hands-on STEM activity known as Save Fred.
The challenge asked students to rescue “Fred,” a gummy worm in a tricky situation: his boat, a plastic cup, had capsized, leaving him stranded. Nearby was his life preserver—a gummy candy ring—but students were only allowed to use paper clips to help Fred into safety.
Working in small groups, students quickly realized that success would require communication, creativity, and patience.
“It was pretty fun and I liked doing the project,” Nadia Castillo said. “We put the paperclips around the lifesaver and then put Fred in the lifesaver.”
The classroom was filled with strategizing and laughter as different teams celebrated their hard-earned victories.
Castillo also liked the teamwork aspect of the project.
“I liked working as a team to figure out how to save Fred. It was fun to work together to come up with a solution,” she said.