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Archive | STEM

Rosemeade Students Learn Basic Engineering in Egg Drop

Students at Rosemeade Elementary participated in a STEM egg drop competition by building egg-protection landing devices. The Roadrunners were given a problem to solve: protect an egg from a significant drop while using limited materials.

Material restrictions

Students were limited to using plastics, straws, cotton, cardboard, tape, string, glue, rubber bands, and similar materials. They were restricted from using helium balloons, and a host of other materials. Students had to allow for a hatch in which to insert the egg. In addition to bragging rights, students learned from the successes and failures during the egg drop event.

They learned how well certain materials behave under stress and what materials work best in distributing impact and vibration.

The Carrollton Fire Department joined in on the experiment by volunteering to drop the student-made devices from the ladder on their fire engine.

View more photos from this event in our Flickr gallery.

Rosemeade Students Learn Basic Engineering in Egg Drop

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Kindergartner, Raven Myles, Transfers to Spark STEM Academy

Kindergartner, Raven Myles, Transfers to Spark STEM AcademyKindergartner, Raven Myles, has transferred to Freeman Elementary so she can attend the Spark STEM Academy. A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classroom is an active environment in which student learning is collaborative and project-based. Students learn hands-on how to solve real-world problems. STEM students like Raven are curious, analytical, and strategic.

CFB Superintendent, Dr. John Chapman, visited Raven and her mom to personally welcome her to the Stellar program (see more photos from this event).

Would your student like to attend our Spark STEM Academy or  Imagine Fine Arts Academy? You do not have to live in the CFBISD attendance zone to attend CFB schools. If you live outside the district, but would still like your student to attend one of our CFB Academies, you may apply online. We’d love to have you join the CFB family!

Has your student already transferred to CFB from another district to attend our academies? We’d love to know your story. Please contact us at cfbinfo@cfbisd.edu or by private message on our Facebook page.

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Polk STEM Team Wins 1st Place in State Competition

The 2018 Polk STEM Team has taken 1st place in the Technology Student Association’s annual TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) competition. TEAMS is an annual STEM competition challenging students to work collaboratively and apply their math and science knowledge in practical, creative ways to solve real everyday engineering challenges. This year’s theme was “Engineering a Greener World.” Competitors were tasked with a hands-on design challenge using designated materials as well as completing timed tests. Each team also was required to do research and write an in-depth essay. Polk Middle School was one of 22 teams that made it to the State level of competition, ultimately beating out 21 other public, private, and charter schools.

View more photos of the team in our Flickr gallery.

Polk STEM Team Wins 1st Place in State Competition

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Good Elementary Teacher is Texas Finalist for 2018 PAEMST

Good Elementary teacher, Ellaree Lehman, is a Texas finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) program. PAEMST is the highest award for kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics and science (including computer science) teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Nominees complete a rigorous application process that requires them to demonstrate their excellence in content knowledge and ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments. Established by Congress in 1983, the President may recognize up to 108 exemplary teachers each year.

A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to OSTP. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.

Recipients of the award receive the following:

  • A certificate signed by the President of the United States.
  • A paid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
  • A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
  • An opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation.

Ms. Lehman is one of three finalists from Texas. The final winner will be announced in January 2019, after national judging.

Good Elementary Teacher is Texas Finalist for 2018 PAEMST

 

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Former METSA Grad Uses Engineering Skills in Career

Former METSA Grad Uses Engineering Skills in Career

Former METSA Grad Uses Engineering Skills in CareerFormer METSA grad uses engineering skills in career he navigates with drones. Seth Bullis attended the Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science Academy (METSA) at R. L. Turner High School. During that time, he learned the essentials of engineering. The course of study continued for Bullis as he went on to study at Brookhaven College, earning an Associates degree in Geographic Information Science and Cartography. Bullis is now pursuing a 4-year degree and other GIS-related certifications at Texas A&M. While attending METSA, Bullis took part in a dual-credit course in GIS at Brookhaven College in 2013.

According to his professor, J. Scott Sires, Bullis demonstrated unique skills that set him apart from the average GIS student. Bullis has designed drones and used 3D printers to create various parts for his unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Bullis now works as a LiDAR Technician and Data Analyst at Dallas Aerial Surveys. While hoping to eventually work his way into the field of bathymetrics, a discipline that measures and maps the physical features of bodies of water, Bullis builds and repairs drones in his spare time. Read more about Bullis as in the Brookhaven College Courier.

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Blalack MakerSpace Club – Making STEM Happen

Blalack MakerSpace Club – Making STEM Happen

The Blalack MakerSpace Club is making STEM happen in CFB. Members of the club built a KNEX roller coaster with a motorized lift and a 360° turn.  The students from Blalack Middle School began the project November. Today, these future problem-solvers are continuing to perfect their engineering project. Accurate and precise measurement is crucial in building the track and the vehicles. Less than a millimeter makes a difference in such a project. These 21st century engineers are diving into new learning and their final success is one that each member of the team can share. CFBISD thanks LBJ Express for their continued financial support of our Middle School MakerSpace initiative.

Blalack MakerSpace Club - Making STEM Happen

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CFB Science Teachers Learn New Lab Equipment

CFB Science Teachers Learn New Lab Equipment

CFB Science Teachers LearnCFB science teachers learn to use new technology to help their students be on the cutting edge of learning. A representative from the Vernier company came to demonstrate how to use the new LabQuest device. Each of the science teachers at the training will receive a handful of these devices to be used in the classroom. They were taught how the probes can be used in science experiments that show output of readings on smartphones, iPads, and Chromebooks. Teachers conducted various experiments in the class to learn how their students will read results from the device.

Other modules that work with the LabQuest include barometers, anemometers, force sensors, motion detectors, and more.

Click here to view more images from this event.

 

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