Derby kids brainstorm building bridge to the moon- The New Haven Register

Great article on our STEM Program by Patricia Villers in the New Haven Register!

DERBY — Fly me to the moon, the lyrics of a classic song say. Better yet, build a “bridge” to it.

That’s the challenge facing students in Grades 6-8 at St. Mary-St. Michael School under the direction of teaching consultant Marc Weissman.

“Building a Bridge to the Moon” is an assignment that is part of the national Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, educational initiative, known as STEM.

Weissman said the approximately 40 students he is teaching have been split into groups.

He said the project is hands-on and interactive, and designed to encourage creative thinking.

The students are learning teamwork as they come up with ways to design a bridge — real or virtual — to the moon.

In the first session, they brainstormed how they would go about creating a bridge, seventh-grader Ledia Dorci said.

They outlined the supplies they would need, and how much it would cost.

Ledia said, “I like to express my creativity and I like drawing.” She designed the team’s logo based on M&M chocolate candies, using the initials L, L, J and J.

They are the first initials of the four team members: sixth-graders Leo Mascolo and John Mazan, eighth-grader James Cobaugh and herself.

“We’re making a water slide from the Earth to the moon,” Ledia said. They used plastic tubing and water to create their “bridge.” Across the room, three girls in sixth grade — Cristina Carloni, Makayla Naranjo, and Shirley Torres — worked on designing their concept. “We’re planning our supplies,” Cristina said. “We’re going to cover the moon with PlayDoh and use Popsicle sticks and poster board.” Makayla said, “Best of all, we are working as a team.” She said the project is creative. Principal Linda Coppola said a financial gift from the archdiocese last year stipulated funds be used for marketing, enrollment and innovation. Launching the STEM program was part of the innovation component, she said. Students will complete their “bridges” by the end of March. They will be required to write a summary of their design and present an oral report to the class.