The Elementary Science Olympiad returned after a three-year hiatus at Chattanooga State. Over 270 students from third to fifth grade participated in 24 STEM-related activities, showcasing their skills and knowledge. Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann, both fourth graders, worked together in various challenges, including the egg drop, which they successfully completed without breaking their egg.
The event focused on in-class activities like sky quest, where Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans tested their knowledge of constellations. Megan Bragg, an associate professor of chemistry at Chattanooga State, was one of the organizers of the event. She emphasized how STEM events like this can help students explore math and science further, creating future career opportunities.
Bragg believes that exposing students to different subjects can help them find their interests early on, potentially leading them to pursue careers in STEM fields in the future. Both participants, Yann and Cavanagh, expressed how fun and educational the event was for them. They enjoyed the hands-on activities and challenges that sparked their curiosity and interest in science and math.
In addition to bridge-a-roni projects where pasta pieces were weighted to test their strength, other STEM-related activities included building robots and conducting experiments with liquid nitrogen. Students were able to apply what they learned in class to real-world scenarios through these engaging activities.
Overall, the Elementary Science Olympiad provided a valuable opportunity for students to learn about science and technology while having fun. It also highlighted the importance of exposing young minds to different subjects early on so that they can find their passions and pursue careers in STEM fields.
Organizers like Bragg hope that events like this will inspire future generations of scientists and engineers by sparking an early interest in STEM subjects. With more events like this taking place across the country, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of young minds eager to explore science and technology further.