The Elementary Science Olympiad has returned to Chattanooga State after a three-year hiatus, with over 270 students ranging from third to fifth grade participating in 24 STEM-related activities. Among the participants, fourth graders Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann teamed up and successfully completed the egg drop challenge without breaking their egg. They used bubble wrap in their project while other participants tried various techniques such as paper or Styrofoam.
Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans focused on activities such as sky quest, testing their knowledge of constellations and matching scientists to their inventions. Megan Bragg, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Chattanooga State, organized different 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 help students explore math and science subjects, potentially leading 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.
