The Elementary Science Olympiad has made a triumphant return after a three-year hiatus. At Chattanooga State, an impressive 270 students ranging from third to fifth grade participated in a diverse array of 24 STEM-related activities.
Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann, both fourth graders, teamed up to tackle various challenges together, including the egg drop. Their determination paid off as they successfully completed the task without cracking their egg. Competitors employed different techniques to safeguard their eggs, such as utilizing bubble wrap for protection.
In-class activities like sky quest were the focal point of Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans, who tested their knowledge of constellations. Megan Bragg, an associate professor of chemistry at Chattanooga State, was one of the event organizers. She highlighted projects such as ‘bridge-a-roni’ where pasta pieces were weighted to assess their strength. Bragg underscored how STEM events like this can help students delve deeper into math and science, opening up doors for future career opportunities.
Bragg believes that exposing students to a variety of subjects can aid them in discovering their interests early on, potentially leading them down a path towards careers in STEM fields in the future. Both participants, Yann and Cavanagh, agreed that the event was both fun and educational for them. They relished the hands-on activities and challenges that sparked their curiosity and passion for science and math.
