Third-graders throughout Piscataway took part in a special STEAM Challenge throughout October, working with volunteers from Johnson & Johnson to build a model car and test its performance.
The challenge asked students at all four elementary schools to utilize the design process in order to build a prototype car using K’Nex building kits. J&J volunteers visited each school on separate days and worked alongside third-grade teachers to instruct and guide the students through the challenge.
Students were encouraged to use skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) and were asked to work as a team and take chances with their design.
“Students were reminded that failing forward is part of the design process, and is necessary for progress,” said Chris Irovando, supervisor of instructional technology for Piscataway Township Schools. “We are very proud of our students and the designs that they produced. Special thanks to Johnson & Johnson and our third-grade teachers and students for making this event a fun challenge!”
Students were divided into groups of four. Design groups then discussed a suitable design, drafted the design on graph paper, and constructed the prototype as a team.
To cap off the challenge, each group tested their car to see how far it would travel over smooth and rough terrain.