Panther Valley students 'STEM'ing the tide for science
SHERI RYAN/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Panther Valley Middle School students who recently took first place at the local K'nex STEM Design Challenge, include, front row, from left, are Megan Weber, Tatum Terry, Justin Ogozalek and Cordell Brettle. Back row, Janet Branchide, Justin Gunderson, Hunter Kerestes and Noah Berk. Missing from the photo are Loudon Breiner and Vanessa Papay.
A group of Panther Valley Middle School students took first place at the local 2014 K'nex STEM Design Challenge, held April 11 at Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math, which are all integrated into the challenge. STEM programs are also being introduced into the school curriculum.
The challenge for the students was to design an environmentally friendly people mover constructed out of K'nex pieces and including at least one motor.
The vehicle needed to be able to move across a 4-foot table and cross an obstacle selected by the team. There was a maximum number of 1,440 pieces that were to be used for the vehicle and for the terrain.
Students were required to create a blueprint of their design, answer narrative questions and present their design to a group of judges. Additionally, the vehicle had to be brought to the competition unassembled and then constructed on site within two hours.
Teams were judged on creativity, presentation, teamwork and by the students' ability to answer the narrative questions.
The students designed "The Zombie Crusher," a transportation vehicle of the future.
The terrain design was a cold, snow-covered and rugged scene that was infested with "zombies."
The selected obstacle was a bridge that crossed over a "river."
After winning first place, the students advanced to the state competition which was held on May 6 at Harrisburg University.
Despite not winning at the state competition, it was noted by teacher, Janet Branchide, that the students "had a great time" and that it was "a wonderful learning experience."
