News

Mixing STEM & Dr. Seuss: A Powerful Combination For Learning

Every March, schools across the country celebrate Read Across America Day. This year, in addition to literacy projects, our 1st graders were inspired to try a Dr. Seuss science project for the perfect combination of hands on learning! The STEM challenge was to create a new hat for cat in the hat. They were allowed to use paper, string, tape, glue and scissors. The hat had to be at least 8 inches tall, have at least 2 shapes and fit his/her head. 1st Grade Teacher Mrs. Shockley said, "The students had SO much fun! It was wonderful to hear their conversations!"

New Middle School: STEM Robotics Class

This semester, PCA is excited to offer a Middle School Robotics class for our students led by Dr. Myra Finneran and Andy Welch. In the classroom, the goal is to have students engage at every level, with hands-on experiences that stimulate communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

First, the robotics students reviewed the LEGO League Core Values (discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, and teamwork) and built their field components. Now they are learning the basics of programming. Their initial task was to code a program for their robot to drive in a square formation. After mastering robotic movements, students will move into utilizing the touch and color sensors.

Through this robotics class offering, these middle schoolers will sharpen their scientific inquiry, engineering design, and data analysis skills.