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Widefield School District 3
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![Inside a classroom, two kindergarten children are engaged in testing their newly constructed pinball machine.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744749548/wsd3org/cyyq0hfi0tgpbawrqec0/KinderSTEMKit4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744749548/wsd3org/cyyq0hfi0tgpbawrqec0/KinderSTEMKit4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1744749548/wsd3org/cyyq0hfi0tgpbawrqec0/KinderSTEMKit4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744749548/wsd3org/cyyq0hfi0tgpbawrqec0/KinderSTEMKit4.jpg","width":951}])
- STEM
King Elementary in Widefield School District 3 – March 2025
The Kindergarten classroom of Mr. Cuevas at King Elementary has been transformed into a mini arcade! Thanks to a DoDEA 2024 Grant that provided exciting STEM Kits for all elementary schools in the district, these young learners have been diving deep into the world of pushes and pulls using their Amplify Science Kit.
In this engaging science unit, Mr. Cuevas’s class explored the fundamental concepts of motion. They discovered that a push moves an object away, while a pull brings it closer. To solidify their understanding, the students embarked on a thrilling end-of-unit project: building their very own pinball machines!
The STEM Kits provided all the necessary materials for this hands-on challenge. Each student received a cardboard box to serve as the base for their pinball creation. To add the essential bouncing action, they cleverly used rubber bands and string to construct bouncers and a slingshot mechanism for launching the marble or table tennis ball – their chosen play ball.
The pinball courses became more intricate with the addition of pegs, which acted as bumpers and obstacles, strategically placed to redirect the rolling ball. And what’s a pinball machine without flippers? The imaginative Kindergarteners utilized wood popsicle sticks to create their own versions of these crucial game elements.
Armed with their knowledge of pushes and pulls, the students eagerly began designing and creating their unique pinball machines. They weren't just gluing materials randomly; they were actively applying the concepts they learned in their science class.
A key part of the process was the try and error method. The young engineers experimented with different placements for their bumpers, testing how each position affected the ball's trajectory. This hands-on experience allowed them to see firsthand how pushes and pulls influenced the movement of their ball.
The classroom was filled with laughter and focused concentration as the students tinkered with their designs, making adjustments and celebrating successful bounces. This project wasn't just about building a game; it was about fostering problem-solving skills and making science come alive.
Mr. Cuevas was delighted with the enthusiasm and learning he witnessed. This pinball machine project provided an invaluable hands-on experience that not only reinforced the concepts of pushes and pulls but also sparked creativity and a love for STEM in his young students. The DoDEA grant truly brought an exciting and educational opportunity to the Kindergarten classroom at King Elementary!
