Seventh Grade Designs STEAM Projects to Save Lives

For two weeks, Chandler seventh graders immersed themselves in STEAM projects. Students worked in groups to design and build devices that could save survivors of a natural disaster. 
 
 
Chandler seventh graders successfully designed original devices to assist people after a natural disaster. In their STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) projects, students had to demonstrate the transfer of energy, incorporate at least one simple machine, and create blueprints drawn to scale. They also designed a Webpage, marketing plan, logo and Excel spreadsheet with realistic financial models.
 
At times, the Middle School building itself resembled a natural disaster as students cut, sawed, sanded, fastened, soldered, tailored, hammered, sketched, trimmed, rigged and otherwise prototyped and built their devices.
 
In the end, each team presented its STEAM project with a compelling description of the problems people face today after specific natural disasters, and clear explanations of how their new device will help people in a crisis.
 
To see the seventh graders Websites and STEAM projects, log in here. The password is "learn". 
 
Beyond serving as academic mentors, Chandler faculty provided guidance and suggestions on how best to tend to the social and emotional needs of each student group. Learning to collaborate, communicate, adapt and compromise is no small part of the learning process during STEAM. Coaching students through these group dynamics is just as essential as coaching them through building a crank or 3D printing a widget.

In the end, students experienced firsthand the excitement and challenges of applied learning in a team environment. As they look ahead to their eighth grade STEAM projects, they've established a strong foundation from which to grow.
Back