BMUFSD: Engineers In The Making

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

2022-03-14

At Briarcliff School District, engineering starts early. How early? With a dedicated STEAM teacher, even kindergarten students can try their hands at building useful objects and learning basic engineering concepts.

Recently, students in Deborah Adelberg’s kindergarten class visited STEAM teacher Amira Lahlouh and learned all about upcycling.

“We had a lesson where we spoke about recycling and sustainability,” Ms. Lahlouh said. “We discussed how instead of throwing out something, we can create something new or useful out of it, which is upcycling.”

Students first came up with a design and drew an object that they wanted to build. Next, using recycled materials, they built their objects, based on their design.

“We talked about what we can make using recycled materials, and came up with some ideas together, such as a piggy bank, or a pencil holder,” Ms. Lahlouh said. “This is a makerspace project and there are also engineering skills that come with designing the product and building it.”

“I’m making a castle,” Natalia said. “I already know what I’m going to use: a box, a cardboard roll (paper towel holder) and a plastic container.”

Ava glued two empty toilet paper rolls together.

“I’m trying to make a hamster maze,” she said.

“I’m making a piggy bank,” said Drevya, who was using a plastic water bottle.

“The students will have one more lesson to finish their projects and then will be able to take their designs to use at home,” Ms. Lahlouh said.

This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.