STEM Blog

Refugee
Posted August 14, 2024
Ms. Rosenberg's 7th Grade ELA Class recently embarked on an incredible learning journey, blending history, literature, and hands-on STEM challenges. After reading "Refugee" by Alan Gratz, they dove into the story of the Cuban Mariel boatlift of the 1980s and experienced firsthand what it was like for Cuban refugees to build makeshift rafts.
Students built rafts from scavenged materials, aiming to keep them buoyant for 20 seconds while withstanding wind and rain, and carrying four weights. They researched images from the Mariel boatlift to understand how refugees constructed rafts from whatever items they could find.
By exploring Isabel’s and Mahmoud’s narratives, students gained profound insights into the harrowing journeys migrants undertake in their quest for freedom from authoritarian regimes.
Our young engineers showcased incredible creativity and problem-solving skills. Their perseverance and ingenuity were truly inspiring!
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Eco Friendly Self Watering Pots
Posted August 14, 2024
Earth Day inspiration continues in Mrs. Riggin's and Ms. Rossi's 5th Grade!
Back on Earth Day, our 5th graders propagated individual pothos plants, and this past week they took their eco-friendly project to the next level.
They have been collecting plastic water bottles to reuse and create self-watering pots, keeping plastic out of our landfills. Instead of tossing those bottles away, our innovative students cut them in half, inverted the tops, and used rolled-up paper towels as wicks to draw water into the pots.
With hands-on learning, they potted their plants and discovered the joy of nurturing life sustainably. Great job, future environmental stewards!

 
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Field TRip to the Robinson Nature Center
Posted August 14, 2024
Mrs. Riggin's and Ms. Rossi's fifth grade class had an unforgettable field trip to the Robinson Nature Center yesterday! The students participated in three exciting rotations: A scenic hike where we explored the Simpsonville Mill ruins and discovered many fascinating plants and trees. An enlightening lesson on four different cultures, focusing on how their needs for basics like shelter and food have evolved over time. A visit to the amazing exhibits and a breathtaking show in the planetarium, sparking curiosity and wonder about our universe.
The students had an incredible day filled with learning and adventure. A big thank you to the Robinson Nature Center for this enriching experience. We would also like to thank Mrs. Riggin, Ms. Rossi and the parent chaperones for making this day possible.
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Scratch Jr. Animations
Posted August 14, 2024
Mrs. Phelps' Kindergarten computer class has been busy with an exciting cross-curricular STEM lesson. Our young tech enthusiasts have been exploring the world of coding using the Scratch JR app. This app lets students code characters to complete tasks, bringing their stories to life just like their favorite TV animations and cartoons.
Our budding coders were tasked with creating an animated story to represent their adapted version of the "This Little Piggy" poem. Each group helped write a make-believe poem about "This Little Animal" and then coded it into a digital book on Scratch JR. They showcased their incredible projects to the 2nd grade students and special guest, Mrs. Thomas. A video of their creative stories was uploaded to Google Classroom for their parents to enjoy. The pride on their faces was priceless!
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Phelps, Mrs. Farace, Mrs. Amrhein, Mrs. DiBernardo, and Ms. Widitz for their unwavering guidance and support

 
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Foosball Games!
Posted August 14, 2024
Our talented seventh graders have been hard at work on a thrilling STEM challenge: designing and building their very own foosball games! Using the engineering design process, they planned, designed, and constructed these creative projects in teams with the materials provided. Their dedication and teamwork truly shone through, and now they’re ready for the next big step.
In the coming weeks, our engineers will be testing their games with our enthusiastic younger students. We can't wait to see their hard work in action and the fun that will unfold. Stay tuned for more updates and cheers to our incredible students!

 
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Skate Zone STEM Fun!
Posted August 14, 2024
Skating into STEM at Skate Zone Crofton was an absolute blast today! Our 7th-grade students combined the thrill of roller skating with the excitement of STEM learning for an unforgettable experience.
They got hands-on with static, kinetic, and rolling friction, dived into reverse engineering by dismantling and reassembling roller skates, and even sharpened their math skills with skating geometry.
After an engaging morning of learning, we refueled with a scrumptious pizza lunch, gearing up for an afternoon packed with skating fun and games!
A massive shoutout to the incredible staff at Skate Zone for providing this unforgettable learning adventure. And heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers Ms. Duff, Mr. Deegan, Ms. Fries, and Mrs. Whiteford for orchestrating such a fantastic day.

 
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Bubble Wands!
Posted August 14, 2024

Get ready for summer fun with the magic of 3D printing! Mrs. Phelps’ Second Grade Computer class recently embarked on an exciting project, creating their very own bubble wands using this innovative technology. 3D printing is transforming the way we create! They started with sketches and then moved to digital designs on Google Slides, working in teams to perfect their creations. Following the engineering design process, they carefully refined their concepts. Under Mrs. Phelps' guidance, these designs were brought to life through 3D printing. The beautiful weather today was the perfect backdrop for 2A to test their prototypes, and the results were amazing. Be sure to come back to view the results of 2B's work in a few days.
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Feudalism and STEM
Posted August 14, 2024

Step into the medieval world with these incredible "construction" pictures from Mr. Deegan's 7th Grade social studies class! Students not only showcased their creativity but also their research skills as they delved into Feudalism through STEM. They built castles with moats, lookout towers, and drawbridges or designed coats-of-arms reflecting their heritage. The dedication was exceptional!

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Mother's Day Gift
Posted August 14, 2024

Mrs. Kenney's 2nd grade made their own plantable gifts for Mother's Day! They took paper scrap and turned it to pulp, added perennial seeds, and created a true one-of-a-kind gift for all their moms! We hope they enjoy their very special gifts on Mother's Day.
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Maryland Science Center
Posted August 14, 2024
Our 6th graders had an exciting day of scientific discovery at the Maryland Science Center today!
From astronomy to paleontology, the human body to physics and phenomena, our students had a blast engaging in hands-on activities and exploring the wonders of science firsthand. The Science Center's innovative exhibits provided a perfect blend of education and excitement, encouraging open-ended exploration and sparking curiosity at every turn.
A huge shoutout and thank you to Ms. Peterson, Mr. LeGare, and all the amazing parent chaperones who made this enriching and unforgettable trip possible. Your dedication to our students' learning experiences is truly appreciated.

 
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Parallel circuits
Posted August 14, 2024
Last week in Ms. Duff's 8th-grade science class, our young scientists delved into the captivating world of series and parallel circuits!
They uncovered the concept that a circuit acts like a closed loop, allowing electrons to flow and create electrical currents. With a power source such as a battery, the circuit becomes active, providing energy for various devices and systems.
The crucial lesson they learned? For electrons to move and devices to function, the circuit must form a complete loop back to the electrical source. Our students' grasp of series and parallel circuits is sparking innovation and guiding them toward exciting discoveries in science!

 
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Brightlink Interactive Technology
Posted August 14, 2024
At St. Louis School, we're proud to integrate cutting-edge technology seamlessly into our daily instruction to enhance the learning experience for students of all ages. One of our standout tools is the Epson BrightLink 1485 Fi interactive technology, which is available in every classroom.
From mastering algebraic equations, working with shapes and grouping, and telling time to coding programs and dissecting rhyme schemes in poetry, our students utilize these projectors to dive deeper into their learning. The BrightLink displays don't just project information; they create dynamic and engaging environments where students can interact, collaborate, and explore concepts in innovative ways.
These projectors have transformed our meeting spaces and classrooms into immersive collaborative environments, where productivity soars, creativity thrives, and every participant is fully engaged in the learning process. Join us in embracing the power of technology to inspire a new generation of learners!

 
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