The Elementary Science Olympiad has returned after a three-year absence, with 270 students from third to fifth grade participating in 24 STEM-related activities at Chattanooga State. Fourth graders Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann teamed up to tackle various challenges, including the egg drop, which they successfully completed without breaking their egg. Competitors utilized different techniques, such as using bubble wrap to protect their egg.
In-class activities like sky quest were the focus of Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans, who tested their knowledge of constellations. Megan Bragg, an associate professor of chemistry at Chattanooga State, was one of the organizers of the event. She explained how projects like ‘bridge-a-roni’ where pasta pieces were weighted to test their strength could help students explore math and science further, potentially leading them to pursue careers in STEM fields in the future.
Bragg emphasized that exposing students to different subjects can help them find their interests early on, potentially leading them to pursue careers in STEM fields in the future. Both participants, Yann and Cavanagh, expressed how fun and educational the event was for them. They enjoyed the hands-on activities and challenges that sparked their curiosity and interest in science and math.
