Fridays this spring were STEM Days at William Penn, as the students spent time in the Library working on a hands-on STEM Maker Lab project purchased from the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Kits were purchased for all Bethel Park elementary schools, with each school receiving a different themed kit. Penn’s kit revolved around Everyday Gadgets and the students worked together in small groups to either create a Trapping Contraption or a Room Cleaning Gadget.
The activity guided the students through several processes, including brainstorming, creating, learning how to protect their invention with a utility patent, developing product packaging, calculating the cost of goods and discussing effective buying decisions.
The students were also able to explore 3D imaging with National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee Kristina Johnson.
Memorial students created either an Ideal Climbing Shoe or the Ultimate Spy Gear with the Wearable Gear Maker Lab. Washington students were able to create a Nest for a Fantasy Bird or a Personalized Space Station in the Living Spaces Maker Lab. Franklin students made either a Stay Dry Machine or the Ultimate Party Machine with the Hi-Tech Machines Maker Lab, and Lincoln students used the Playful Designs Maker Lab to create a Jungle Gym or a Morphing Toy.