ELIDA, Ohio (WLIO) - GROB Systems Inc. has launched a program with area schools to introduce concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to elementary students. One of the organizers of the program attended a webinar over the summer that encouraged industries to reach out to grade levels they may not have previously considered.
"One of their tips was to start younger, because by the time you are talking to juniors or seniors, they already have their mind made up, they know what they want to do," said Kalista Thain, administrative assistant for GROB. "The lady in the webinar said, even elementary schools, go read a book to them, go do something. My background is actually in teaching, so I wanted to use that too, and that's when I came up with this STEM partnership to go out to elementary schools."
These fourth graders at Elida Elementary worked in groups to assemble a catapult using popsicle sticks and spoons to launch a marshmallow as far as they could.
The students participate in themed activities that challenge their minds and require them to work together. These fourth graders at Elida Elementary worked in groups to assemble a catapult using popsicle sticks and spoons to launch a marshmallow as far as they could.
Teachers say these activities are a great change of pace from normal classes, offering valuable life lessons. And maybe, one day, these students will consider working in a STEM-related field.
"They use the teamwork and the problem solving skills that they need to be able to do throughout life, and I think that's important, and I like the idea that they get to maybe fail or not succeed the first time and try again," said Karen Foley, 4th grade math and science teacher for Elida Elementary. "For every activity that they bring in, they always have trials that kids can improve and improve, and look at what other kids are doing and then improve theirs. They love it, they're very excited about all these and they like other people teaching them, other than just us every day."
"A lot of schools don't have a STEM program - some do, but not a lot of the ones around us have one, so I know the teachers really appreciate it too," said Thain. "It gives the kids something else to think about, something more hands-on and science-y compared to any other career they've already thought about, like what their mom or dad does. It's just something different for them to get their mind rolling about."
GROB says that they have already worked with over 1,600 students in the area.
GROB says that they have already worked with over 1,600 students in the area, and by the end of this school year, they are projected to work with around 1,800 students.
