Yesterday afternoon Garrett and I had the chance to visit the Wasatch Elementary Site. When the club members arrived, they checked in and put their backpacks away before getting their snack.

IMG_0083

 

They enjoyed orange juice and a muffin, both of which looked delicious.

IMG_0076

They had the chance to socialize while having their snacks, and when snack time was over, they went outside for a short recess.

IMG_0092       

 

Some kids played on the playground,

IMG_0090       IMG_0094

 

and others jumped rope and played soccer.

After recess, they went back inside to do a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activity. They broke into groups of three or four and were handed 36 inches of tape and a bag with several pieces of uncooked spaghetti, a marshmallow, a pair of scissors, and a pipe cleaner. Their challenge? Build the tallest possible free-standing tower. (Yes, the kids were asked if they knew or could guess what free-standing meant, a precocious second-grader raised her had and correctly stated “it stands on it’s own without you having to hold it up.” Kids these days are smart! I definitely didn’t know that term in second grade.)

As the challenge began, some kids were noticeably excited about attempting this feat.

IMG_0100

Groups got to work exploring and trying different ideas.

IMG_0112       IMG_0117 IMG_0122      IMG_0135

Each approach was a little different, but in the end, the groups came up with some really fun final products!

IMG_0156      IMG_0158 IMG_0161      IMG_0163

After the groups were finished building. They got to look at each group’s tower and see the several creative solutions for solving the same challenge. They had a fun time with this project!

The afternoon ended with homework time, of which we have no pictures because I took the chance to read with one of the club members instead. Suffice it to say, it was a fun and productive day at the Wasatch Elementary Site. I’m so glad we had the chance to visit this awesome after school program!