How can we teach students to apply STEM knowledge and develop problem-solving skills through hands-on activities? We held two sessions of the “Marble Run” at Concordia Lutheran School (North Point). During this workshop, students were challenged to create marble machines using simple materials in groups.
On one hand, students had to answer STEM questions posed by an AI chatbot to earn game tokens for purchasing supplies. On the other hand, they had to design the track, aiming to make the marbles stay on the track for as long as possible. While team members sometimes had different opinions on track design, they gradually learned to combine their wisdom to create a product that everyone was satisfied with.
It was great to see students from three different primary and secondary schools fully engaged in the activity. Throughout the process, they not only learned STEM and maker knowledge but also honed their teamwork and communication skills. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved!