Students at Freeland Elementary School showcased their creativity and engineering skills through a series of innovative projects this November. Under the guidance of their teacher, Miss Higgs, fifth graders participated in activities that combined fun with practical learning, including building sturdy tables, crafting unique turkeys, and designing buoyant boats.
One of the standout activities involved students constructing a Thanksgiving table using only toothpicks and glue. The challenge required them to design and test structures capable of holding weight. The winners of this contest, recognized for their exceptional engineering, were Ripley Miller, Eshita Kaur, Yahweh Palma, and Hansel Molina Valdez.
In another engaging project, students participated in a creative turkey competition, where they utilized a variety of craft materials such as pom poms, pipe cleaners, and feathers. Each creation reflected the individual style and imagination of the student, resulting in a vibrant display of unique turkeys. The winners for the most creative designs included Elsa Hauze, Mikayla Stower, Layton LaBuda, Benjamin Berkheimer, Genevive Brush, Avalyn Mhley, Sophie Nagle, and Scarlett MacConnell.
The final project challenged students to explore the principles of buoyancy by designing aluminum foil boats. Each student was provided with a 12×12 piece of aluminum foil and tasked with creating a vessel that could float while carrying “travelers” in the form of pennies. This hands-on activity sparked discussions about balance, weight distribution, and effective design strategies. The winners of this competition were Sophie Nagle, Isabella Polly, Jacob Morel, and Julius Bueno.
These projects were funded by the school’s CSI TEAM, aimed at promoting positive behavior among students. Throughout November, the fifth graders demonstrated remarkable teamwork and creativity, earning their opportunity to engage in these enriching activities. The experience not only fostered essential STEM skills but also provided an enjoyable environment for learning and collaboration.
Freeland Elementary’s commitment to innovative education continues to inspire students to explore their interests and develop essential skills for the future.
