St. Francis Solanus recognizes students in grades 6-8 at 14th annual STEM night

QUINCY — St. Francis Solanus School recognized three winners Thursday night at its 14^th annual STEM night for students in grades 6-8.

Students in the sixth grade make egg drop contraptions that are dropped from the school’s balcony. The goal is to make something that will protect the egg from breaking. The seventh graders make mousetrap cars that may enter a speed or distance category. The eighth graders make catapults, intending to shoot the eggs at a five-gallon bucket for points.  

This year’s winners were Hadleigh Russell for the mousetrap cars (speed), Gabe Mason for the mousetrap cars (distance) and Aiden Pruett for the catapult.

The students start by researching ideas for creating their project (technology), then create a blueprint for their idea including measurements (math). The final step is creating their project (engineering/math). Teacher Shaun Carey said that by the time the STEM students are in the eighth grade, they are using a miter saw, battery-powered drills, drill press and a jigsaw. 

“We have been so lucky to have the support of parents, administrators and teachers for these important projects,” Carey said. “I could not pull this off without the tremendous help of the parents. These projects really get the students to think outside the box and realize that if it doesn’t work doesn’t mean we quit. We have to keep trying different things to make it work. It is a great life lesson.

“One of the things that means the most to me is having former students come back to help me set up and run a successful STEM night. This means they have taken ownership in it and realize its importance.”