Every year, Walnut Elementary School’s fifth grade students from classroom 18 prepare to take on a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning project using teamwork to research, craft,and carry out aerodynamic lander prototypes for a 30-feet egg launch.
This year’s project and event was extended to additional fifth grade classrooms making it the largest launch event yet with a total of 16 students teams across three classrooms. The most anticipated part of the project is the egg launch, where students are tasked with building a lander prototype for a safe landing without any breakage of a raw egg. Students are supplied with tape and straws and must work together to craft their idea for an effective prototype using principles of engineering.
“We look forward to this event because our fifth grade students work really hard to develop and demonstrate team work, critical thinking, and support for one another,” said Walnut Elementary Principal Leslie Perigrina.
The launch event was kicked off by students reciting an English and Spanish Walnut Eagle S.O.A.R. chant to demonstrate school wide behavior expectations to welcome parents. Using their visual arts and performing arts VAPA skills, the students also sang “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay to warm up the crowd. When it came time for the grand event, student teams huddled together to place their final prototypes on the front stage. In addition, students were also tasked with problem solving to identify material needs using math, a research project on a historical scientist, and lastly presenting their project to parents, staff, and other fifth grade students. The event successfully resulted in a record breaking outcome of 10 intact launches. School custodians Manuel Corlew and Jason Ruiz helped facilitate the launch above the cafeteria, and were a crucial part of the job.
“We are thankful for Mr. Rangel, 5th grade teacher of Room #18 who always goes above and beyond to make learning fun,” said Walnut Elementary Principal Leslie Perigrina.
All student teams did a fantastic job of presenting, researching, and designing their carriers. There was also a strong sense of unity and good sportsmanship upheld among all classes.
Way to showcase your knowledge Walnut Eagles!
PHOTOS
Walnut_STEM1: Fifth grade students from Walnut Elementary School team up to launch their egg carrier prototypes at annual STEM event.
Walnut_STEM2: Fifth grade STEM event student team "The Landers" egg carrier prototype.
Walnut_STEM3: Walnut Elementary team of fifth graders present their project at STEM event.
Walnut_STEM4: STEM event 30-feet launch in progress.
Walnut_STEM5: Walnut Elementary teacher Mr. Rangel showcases a egg carrier prototype made by Mr. Ochoa.
Walnut_STEM6: Walnut Elementary student poses with her team's winning prototype.
VIDEO
2023 Walnut Elementary 5th Grade STEM Event Video Sizzle: Recap video of Walnut Elementary School' s fifth grade STEM event featuring a student song performance of "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay.