A group of Westview Elementary School students found a unique way to show off the fruits of the school’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum.
Students designed personalized drink coasters for each member of the Hamilton County School Board. Students presented the coasters at Thursday night’s meeting.
“At Westview Elementary, we inspire our students to be thinkers and problem solvers who are ready for college, career, and citizenship,” said Westview principal Deborah Coddle. “I am a believer that if we equip students with knowledge and resources and allow them to design and build solutions to solve problems, then they will thrive and reach their fullest potential.”
Westview Elementary integrates STEM instructional practices like project-based learning, and the 21st Century Skills (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication) in day-to-day instruction.
The idea for the coaster project came after the district invited Westview students to attend a school board meeting.
Teachers challenged students to come up with a way to help board members during meetings, with the intent of providing an opportunity to incorporate real-world situations utilizing the skills they’ve learned so far.
“Our teacher presented us with this question: ‘how can we, as designers, create an item that will help our school board members be more efficient and productive during their planning and meeting times?’” said a Westview student.
The students brainstormed together and cycled through ideas like coolers under the table before ultimately settling on drink coasters.
Teachers cut the needed items in the eLab, which provides students with advanced technology such as laser cutters, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and the class personalized each coaster for board members.
“Our hope is that they will help protect your desk and papers from condensation,” said one Westview student.
Changes made to inclement weather calendar
The school board also voted 6 to 2 to approve a change to the inclement weather calendar that would
lower the days from eight to six.
The district would enact the change by adding four half-days in the middle of the school year, a half-day at the end of the first semester, and a half-day at the end of the school year.
