This week, Discovery Academy launched the new STEM Special for the upper grades.
– Fifth Graders joined crews in the Volvo Ocean Race and started tracking latitude and longitude of the around the world sailing race.
– Fourth graders started building their Japanese lamps frames.
– Third graders built the base model of their house in the architecture unit.
These integrated projects allow the students to participate in new STEM experiences while integrating multiple subjects.
Discovery Academy is sending 24 amazing inventors on to the Invention Convention state regionals. We are so proud of all our inventors and wish them the best. The CIC Executive Director just informed me that 500 judges are needed so I am passing on this request to the Discovery staff and parents:
The Connecticut Invention Convention needs 500 judges! This year over 17,000 students from across Connecticut are learning how to be the next generation of inventors and engineers. 1,600 of them will compete at regional events in March (Hamden and East Hartford), and 700 will show up at the state finals in April at UConn in Storrs to compete for awards and an invitation to the Nationals. These students work through the school year to identify a problem that matters to them, and then to solve it with an invention. For these young inventors, presenting their work to our judges is the pinnacle of their invention process.
This year, over 500 judges are needed to make these events successful and educational for our student inventors. Judges need no experience or special knowledge – just an interest in helping students learn. Engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, IP attorneys and educators are encouraged to register. But really anyone who is interested can be a judge. Training is provided onsite the day of the event, and support is always available during the event. Being a CIC judge is a fulfilling and worthy experience, and many of our judges have been coming back year after year!
All of the information necessary, including dates, times, locations and an easy registration form, can be found at http://www.ctinventionconvention.org/judges.
If you have any questions please feel free to email the Connecticut Invention Convention’s Executive Director at the contact information below.
Ron Katz
Executive Director
CT Invention Convention
(860) 434-4083 (direct)
ron@CTInventionConvention.org
www.CTInventionConvention.org
CREC teachers at Discovery are learning about science through exploring phenomena. Using hot wheels tracks they are creating models to help revise and develop a consensus model. 
Last Saturday, Discovery girls learned about the STEM in aviation. The made helicopters, parachutes, explored planes and had a blast with science and math. The program was sponsored and run by UTC Engineers and the Society of Woman Engineers.
Discovery PreK students tested out the bubble wands they engineered in Design Lab. After testing their wands students brainstormed on how they would improve their design. Way to go PreK Engineers!
Today, our 4th and 5th grade girls had lunch with Society of Women in Engineering representatives, Carolyn Begnoche from UTC and Carol Coppa from Eversource. We learned about all the different engineering fields and the important role women can play in this career field. Engineering is everywhere!
A team of engineers were curious to see what happened when the electrical connections were switched. By experimenting they found out how to make their car go in reverse!
Engineers from United Technologies will provide engineering lessons to fifth-graders at Discovery Academy on Friday, April 28th. Students will learn about solar cars, jet propulsion and other STEM activities. “I love finding opportunities for the students to interact with community members and professionals. The 5th graders will love meeting UTC Engineers and learning about some of their career choices,” said Clare Neseralla. She met the organizers at the STEM Field Day held every summer at Manchester Community College. Project STEM, is comprised a group of Pratt & Whitney employees who generate interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math by volunteering at middle and high schools in the greater Hartford area. Mrs. Neseralla shared that elementary students knew a thing or two about engineering and convinced them to come to Discovery Academy.
Photo from last year’s STEM Field Day
Tomorrow, March 23rd, our young engineers get to show off their problem solving with creative engineered inventions. Families are welcome to come and see their amazing work.
The Discovery Invention Convention will run from 9:00-11:15.
3rd grade presents from 9:00-10:00
2nd grade presents from 10:15-11:15
Club members in 4th and 5th grade present from 9:00-11:15.
Students completed their second day of building and will finish their inventions at home. Our last meeting on March 9th will be focused on marketing and presentation. Mark your calendars for March 23rd for the Discovery Academy Invention Convention. Parents and guests can come to see the 2nd, 3rd and club member’s inventions from 9:30 to 10:30.
