SC STEAM LAB
Sea Cliff Students Create Anemometers in New SC Steam Lab   
The doors of the beautiful Sea Cliff School STEAM Lab opened at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year. To the delight of the young K-5 scientists and engineers in Ms. Adrien Kaye’s STEAM class, hands-on learning happily began in a new bright, age-appropriate, learning space geared to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) packed with materials and equipment to help them learn, innovate, problem-solve, communicate, and collaborate.    

Ms. Kaye said, "The entire elementary community is thrilled to have these dynamic, flexible, and modern spaces to bring our STEAM dreams to life. It is beyond inspiring to see students’ choice and voice as they tinker with materials, observe phenomena, and find answers to their own questions. I can’t wait to continue sharing all that we discover and create in these amazing new classrooms.”  

Recently, Sea Cliff third graders spent their time in the STEAM Lab working through the steps of the engineering design process as they built anemometers, weather instruments that measure wind speed. After first exploring wheels and axles and how to make things spin in previous classes, students then dissected a working anemometer and discovered its essential parts. From there, engineers visited the Makerspace and thought about the structure and function of materials before making decisions about their best use in the anemometer design. With all of that knowledge and planning in their back pockets, students then used their designs to create their anemometer prototypes. Just as engineers do in the field, third grader students worked collaboratively with partners to choose materials, create drawings and models, problem-solve any setback, and collect data.  

The engineers were fully engaged as they simultaneously learned the basics of design and engineering. Ms. Kaye concluded by saying, “It’s incredible to witness students authentically working through the steps of the engineering design process, negotiating with peers, manipulating materials, and problem-solving with perseverance and pride. Not only do these opportunities enrich their learning and school experience, but they also support students’ development into thoughtful, helpful, and innovative producers and consumers of the natural world. Next time you have a problem to solve, consider asking an elementary engineer for help!”  
Go Vikings Go!

Article written with expertise from Ms. Adrien Kaye, Elementary STEAM teacher
Photos by Shelly Newman 

Article and photos by Shelly Newman