WIESBADEN, Germany - Toilet paper roll towers, paper helicopters, International Space Station convection experiments and a host of other hands-on demonstrations welcomed visitors to Hainerberg Elementary School's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Night April 24.
As visitors made their way from room to room they were invited to help build bridges, participate in a recycling toss event, make acoustic instruments and other activities designed to encourage exploration and horizon expansion.
"We know that problem-solving-based learning is critical," said Hainerberg Elementary School Principal Penelope Miller-Smith. "Using the engineering design process allows the students to use their skills in a hands-on activity."
"All of the teachers chose what they wanted to do," added Assistant Principal Gwendolyn Ziegler, explaining that after being shown the engineering design process the teachers "embedded" that construct into their classrooms to encourage students to "have a dialogue" about approach challenges and solve problems.
"We're trying to get the kids excited about careers in engineering (and science, technology and math)," Ziegler said. Using green technology and through interactive hands-on activities, "we're trying to set the stage" to encourage students to develop a real interest in the STEM fields, she added.
Hainerberg Elementary School's senior administrator explained that this year's STEM Night, supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District; European Space Agency and 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, was open to students from both Wiesbaden elementary schools and the middle school. "This is a community-open event," said Miller-Smith, thanking the strong support of the school's partners in helping make the evening an informative event for various ages.
Living History Museum
"I like computers because they're really fun, and you can do a lot with them," said fifth-grader James Simonton, who was portraying innovative computer engineer Steve Jobs at the STEM Night Living History Museum. Simonton was accompanied by a roomful of fellow students depicting influential scientists through history.
"I'm interested in becoming a chemical engineer," said fellow Living History participant Erica Betts who was portraying astronaut Ellen Ochoa. "I wanted to be her because I'm Hispanic and she was the first Hispanic woman to become an astronaut."
"As a military engineer, this is near and dear to me," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Gieracz, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Europe District, about why he volunteers to support events such as STEM Night. "I try to find opportunities where I can help out."
Ziegler said the school's Parent Teacher Organization provided the teachers with the funds to buy materials for the STEM activities.
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