STEM at SAISD: Critical Thinking and Creativity Challenged Through Engineering Lessons

This November, San Angelo ISD students participated in a variety of engineering lessons in our Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) labs which took our students out of the ordinary, challenged their critical thinking skills and let creativity soar. 

At Glenmore Elementary, in the spirit of gratitude for the Thanksgiving season, our kindergarten students worked to engineer the ultimate turkey trap. Using a variety of materials including KEVA Planks, Strawbees and Magna Tiles, these students used innovation to look at the many possible ways they could catch their turkey by experimenting with different structures to bring their visions to life. Additionally, students had to utilize their communication skills, explaining the inner workings of their traps. Glenmore STEM teacher Veronica Wiley also guided their strategy with reflective questions which sparked adjustments and improvements.

Meanwhile, the 4th graders at Santa Rita took on the challenge of crafting balloon floats fit for the annual Thanksgiving Macy’s Day Parade. Each balloon inspired students to show their individuality, showcasing the unique creativity of every student. Through trial and error, these resilient minds learned to design structures that could handle the parade's hustle and bustle. To elevate the STEM experience, students filming their final designs against a green screen to place their floats into the streets of New York. 

San Angelo ISD is committed to providing our students with opportunities to explore areas of science, technology, engineering and math through our innovative STEM programs available to students at all levels. Our STEM labs offer students hands-on, collaborative, learning experiences that challenge students to think critically through various design challenges and explore subjects such as applied engineering or flight technology in interactive and meaningful ways. Opportunities for students to explore STEM do not stop at the elementary and middle school levels. SAISD high school students can choose to follow the STEM program of study within our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program which offers courses focused around engineering to support their individual hopes and dreams. 

San Angelo ISD celebrates all the ways our students are smart and the methods our educators use to cultivate their individual smartness. Follow the San Angelo ISD Facebook, Twitter, and website, www.saisd.org to stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD.