STEM Ambassadors: Clinton High School students host science-based outreach event with fourth graders

Clinton Elementary School fourth graders constructing Spaghetti and Marshmallow Towers as part of a rotation of STEM.

By CLINTON LOCAL STAFF

Clinton High School STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students helped organize and bring STEM activities to the interest of elementary fourth graders earlier this month.

On Friday, Feb 13, the fourth grade classes of Glenna Ford, Joseph Gossett, Dylan Hancock, Haley Haynes and Glenn Law visited the high school in two shifts to participate in a rotation of four STEM activities, according to an email from Ron Schaffner, high school STEM, AP Chemistry, AP Physics and AP Calculus teacher. Those STEM activities included Stomp Rockets, Balloon-Powered Cars, Spaghetti and Marshmallow Towers, and an RC car driving course/relay race.

More than 20 high school STEM students volunteered to staff the activities and guide the students in their challenges, Schaffner said.

“Everyone, including the teachers, seemed to enjoy it and it was a great way to spend the morning on a half day,” said Schaffner.

Both students and staff had a half day of classes on Feb. 13 for the start of mid-winter break. There also was no school for students and staff on Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of the President’s Day holiday and as part of mid-winter break.

Clinton High School STEM and Advanced STEM students participate in multiple competitions organized by Square One Education Network, which requires an “Ambassador” project as an outreach part of the competition.

“The intent is to engage young students in STEM activities to generate interest and inform them in engineering design and improvement,” added Schaffner.

The following high schoolers assisted with the Ambassador project:

• Zack Andrews, Paul Blanchard, Owen Buckmaster, Drew Erickson, Brian Ferree, Damon Fivenson, Joe Hodges, Cory Hoover, Isaac Keibler, Lila Kennedy, Grant Kutzley, Cole Laraway, Boston Lawler, Robert McDonald, Alex Packer, Jaxon Phillip, Braxton Randolph, Bryce Randolph, Brandon Ruhl, Ally Schaffner, Jaren Settles, Zeke Turner, Max Walden and Gradyn Whelan.