After a three-year hiatus, the Elementary Science Olympiad has made a triumphant return to Chattanooga State. More than 270 students from third to fifth grade took part in 24 STEM-related activities during the event. Among them, fourth graders Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann joined forces, successfully completing the egg drop challenge without cracking their egg. Their project used bubble wrap, while other participants experimented with different techniques such as paper or Styrofoam.
Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans were among the participants who focused on sky quest activities, testing their knowledge of constellations and matching scientists to their inventions. Megan Bragg, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Chattanooga State, organized various stations like ‘bridge-a-roni’ where students built pasta structures to see how much weight they could hold before breaking. Bragg believes that STEM events like this can help students explore math and science subjects and potentially lead to future career opportunities.
Bragg emphasizes the importance of developing interests in these subjects to encourage students to pursue careers in these fields. The Elementary Science Olympiad not only provides a fun and educational experience for students but also helps them discover potential paths for their future. Participants like Cavanagh and Yann agree that the event is both fun and educational, highlighting the value of STEM-related activities for young learners.
