Desert Trails Elementary School offers STEM Program
By Penney Pfleiderer
STEM Teacher Desert Trails Elementary
They built mechanical hands, hydraulic bridges and model hearts. And not a one of them was old enough to drive.
These budding engineers were participating in a creative and innovative STEM program being offered at Desert Trails Elementary School for the first time this year. This new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math rotation gave students opportunities for hands-on learning to expand their creativity, increase engagement and develop problem-solving skills in a fun and stimulating environment.
Only one of five elementary schools to offer STEM, students from kindergarten through sixth grade at Desert Trails Elementary School were involved in projects that included building 3D shape cities, buoyant foil boats, tall straw towers and triangular catapults. And they loved it.
Megan, a fourth grader, wrote, “In STEM I made many projects and learned many things. My favorite was my hydraulic bridge. For this project we needed to use all of our creativity! Another project I enjoyed was the sail cars. After we made them we had races! It is always good to have some healthy competition! These are the reasons I love STEM!”
Gianna, in third grade, agreed. “STEM was fun because we got to do lots of experiments. Some of the experiments were so cool, like building a model heart! STEM lets you be creative and be you. STEM is fun because you learn some really cool things. I’m really looking forward to STEM next year.”
Paradise Valley School District is building a solid foundation through STEM education for students to compete and thrive in a global community. Committed to nurturing tomorrow’s adults into competent and capable citizens that can effectively contribute to our technology-driven society, Paradise Valley Schools offers a balanced program that also includes music, art and physical education.
As a STEM educator, I want to equip my students with the skill set needed to become adaptable innovators, resourceful researchers and solution generators. Learn more about our projects and activities via the Desert Trails Elementary School website next year and click on the STEM link. Follow the fun!
