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Blog: Exploring STEM-C

At LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville, students from Kindergarten through 9th grade dive into STEM-C (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Computing) in a dynamic and engaging environment that fosters curiosity and hands-on learning. Through their classes, students explore fundamental concepts while gaining critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition to classroom instruction, students have the opportunity to join various STEM-related clubs and academic competitions where they can deepen their interests and test their knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios, and experience the thrill of innovative challenges.in robotics, coding, and environmental science.
 
STEM-C clubs offered include Drone Club, Science Olympiad, MathCounts, First Lego League Robotics, and Science Fair. Through these opportunities, LISA Academy students are well-prepared to excel in future STEM fields and become confident, creative thinkers.
In second grade at LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville, students bring literature to life by engineering carriages for Cinderella after studying the classic story. This engaging project combines their reading comprehension with hands-on STEM skills, as they apply principles of engineering and design to build functional and creative carriages. Students brainstorm, sketch, and construct models, considering factors like stability, aesthetics, and materials. Working collaboratively, they solve problems and refine their designs, integrating concepts from science and engineering. This project not only deepens their understanding of the text but also encourages creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork, making their learning experience both memorable and meaningful.
 
Click here to see the students testing their Cinderella Carriages!
In STEM Lab at LISA Academy Rogers-Bentonville, 1st and 2nd grade students explore geometry through hands-on fall-themed projects. Using pattern blocks, they design and create seasonal shapes like leaves and pumpkins, inspired by patterns found in nature. As part of the activity, students also continue building 2D shapes and document the number of each shape they use on a worksheet, reinforcing their understanding of geometry and data collection. Additionally, students practice using rulers to measure their shapes, developing foundational skills in measurement and precision.
1st and 2nd graders using shape blocks to create fall pictures    More pattern block designs

The Grinch stole everything—even Cindy Lou's Christmas tree!

But that didn’t stop our inventive students from saving the day. On Grinch Day, we turned a classic holiday mishap into a hands-on STEM challenge that had our classroom buzzing with creativity and excitement.

The Challenge: Build a new Christmas tree for Cindy Lou using toothpicks, gumdrops, and marshmallows.

 

Building and Measuring

Students eagerly jumped into the task, using their engineering skills to construct sturdy and festive trees. Once the trees were built, it was time to measure and compare the heights of their creations. It was a fun exercise that combined problem-solving, teamwork, and a bit of friendly competition.

 

The Results

We were amazed by the ingenuity and variety of designs. The tallest tree reached an impressive 12 inches! It was wonderful to see the students' faces light up with pride as they showcased their work.

Grinch Day STEM was a fantastic success, blending holiday cheer with hands-on learning. It was a perfect example of how fun and education can go hand-in-hand, even when the Grinch tries to spoil the fun!

We are beyond thrilled to share some exciting news from last Friday! Our incredible Middle School Robotics Team has won the prestigious Motivate Award at the First LEGO League Competition. This honor recognizes their outstanding team spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication to spreading the message of STEM in our community.
Our team has worked tirelessly, not only in building and programming their robot but also in demonstrating what it means to be passionate and committed to their goals. Their journey has been one of learning, perseverance, and, most importantly, teamwork. This award is a testament to their hard work and the support of our amazing mentors and community.
A huge congratulations to our talented and hardworking team members! Your passion and perseverance have truly paid off. A big shoutout to our mentors and supporters who have guided and cheered us on every step of the way.
This achievement is not just a win for our team but for everyone who believes in the power of STEM education and its ability to inspire and motivate. We look forward to seeing what our team will accomplish next!
Let's celebrate this fantastic achievement and continue to inspire and motivate others in the world of robotics and STEM. Go Team!
 robotics team

Our 3rd and 4th graders recently embarked on an exciting journey into the fascinating world of sound waves! This hands-on exploration turned the music room into a dynamic science lab, filled with curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery.

We began by discussing what sound waves are and how they move through different mediums. Students quickly grasped the idea that sound travels in waves, but the real excitement began when they got to investigate these concepts through interactive experiments. These activities encouraged our young learners to think critically and observe how sound interacts with the world around us.

As part of their exploration, the students tackled questions like:

  • What might the sound waves of different sounds look like?

  • How do vibrations from one object affect other objects nearby?

  • What are some ways we can change the sound of different materials?

Through their observations and discussions, the students uncovered how vibrations create sound and how those vibrations can influence other objects. They also discovered the many ways we can manipulate sound—from altering pitch and volume to exploring how the size and material of an object can change the way it sounds.

 

Check out the experiments here!