North Bellmore Students Take A Personal Approach To Problem Solving

Students had to think small in order to think big at Saw Mill Road Elementary School. Sixth-graders in Ann Marie Gilroy’s class split into teams and completed the “Mini Me” STEAM challenge.

Children had to make miniature versions of themselves using pipe cleaners. The small figures had to be one-ninth scale, requiring the use of math. Each team then had to create a mini-structure to safely house the people with four-inch dowels and rubber bands.

The students followed the engineering process: ask, imagine, plan, create and improve. The activity taught children problem-solving skills while encouraging communication and collaboration.

This was the third STEAM activity students in Ms. Gilroy’s class have participated in this year, with the challenges getting progressively harder. Later this month, they will built life-size versions of their structures and try to fit inside themselves.

Photos: North Bellmore School District