Students design mazes for laser beams at Engineering Design Challenge
Posted: December 6, 2024
Fifth graders representing each elementary school competed in the first Newport News Public Schools' Engineering Design Challenge of this school year on December 5 at Newsome Park Elementary School Science, Technology and Math Magnet.
At these competitions, students do not know what the challenge is until it is given to them with the materials needed to plan and design a real-world task in the allotted time period. MAZE Craze was the theme of the problem they were presented to solve.
"Today's challenge will test your creativity, teamwork and your critical thinking," said Tami Byron, NNPS STEM instructional supervisor, as she got ready to unveil the instructions.
Working in groups, students were tasked with the problem and career focus of working as laser optical engineers in training to design and construct a maze that directed a laser beam to a specific target. The challenge encouraged students to collaboratively apply engineering design practices, problem-solving in a real context and future-ready skills, along with other STEM skills.
The Jefferson Lab served as NNPS' community partner for the event. The Engineering Design Challenge is part of the school division's ongoing STEM education initiative emphasizing skills in science, technology, engineering and math. The competition also introduces students to various careers available in STEM fields.
"One thing I always like to say is when we're doing teamwork, we are as smart as harnessing all of the brilliant minds in the room, "Lisa Surles-Law, science education manager at the Jefferson Lab and Chairman of the Newport News School Board.
"So what does that mean for you for your team? That means everyone needs to participate. If you're collaborating in your team, make sure that everyone's involved because their input is going to make us all better."
Knollwood Meadows Elementary School placed first, with An Achievable Dream Academy taking home second place and a third-place tie occurring between Greenwood Elementary School and Saunders Elementary School.
Students in middle and high schools will participate in the next Engineering Design Challenge on March 28 at Crittenden Middle School. The final challenge for this school year will be for second and third graders on May 16 at Newsome Park Elementary School.
