After a three-year hiatus, the Elementary Science Olympiad has made its return to Chattanooga State. Two hundred and seventy students ranging from 3rd to 5th grade participated in twenty-four STEM-related activities. Among them, fourth graders Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann worked together to successfully complete the egg drop challenge without breaking their egg. They used bubble wrap in their project while other participants experimented with different techniques such as paper or Styrofoam.
Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans focused on sky quest, testing their knowledge of constellations and matching scientists to their inventions. Megan Bragg, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Chattanooga State, organized various stations like ‘bridge-a-roni’ where students built pasta structures to see how much weight they could hold before cracking. Bragg believes that STEM events like this are essential for students to explore math and science subjects and potentially lead to future career opportunities.
Bragg emphasizes the importance of developing interests in these subjects to encourage students to pursue careers in these fields. The Elementary Science Olympiad not only provides a fun and educational experience for students but also helps them discover potential paths for their future. Participants like Cavanagh and Yann agree that the event is both fun and educational, showcasing the value of STEM-related activities for young learners.