by Jason Wood
The Country Day School has launched an ambitious STEM pilot program for Grades 4 and 5, combining classroom learning with dynamic, hands-on experiences in the Junior science lab. Grade 4 students recently dove into geological studies through the “Story of Sand” experiment, exploring the interesting properties of sand and its relationship to rock formation with a microscope investigation. Building on this knowledge, students tackled a real-world engineering challenge: designing an environmentally conscious mining operation with limited resources while protecting a rehabilitating desert ecosystem.
Grade 5 students ventured deep into the future, combining their study of energy conservation with forward-thinking design principles. As part of their Conservation of Energy unit, students constructed homes for the year 2050, addressing scenarios such as human habitation in Antarctica and desert environments. Their builds incorporated artificial intelligence solutions for energy efficiency, including advanced temperature regulation and sustainable food consumption systems. Students showcased their innovations through persuasive video presentations, demonstrating technical understanding and marketing skills.
This collaborative STEM initiative has created a ripple effect throughout the Junior School, fostering a community of young scientists and innovators who inspire each other!