ADA, Michigan — The Van Andel Institute for Education is bringing a mobile STEM program to West Michigan classrooms.
Called Curiosity on Wheels, the program teaches problem-solving, critical thinking and cooperation in a fun way.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
13 ON YOUR SIDE visited St. Robert Catholic School in Ada, where the program visited for a day. The theme of the event was fairytales, creating project-based learning around stories the students know and love.
"One of the things that we really believe in at Van Andel Institute for Education is that everything is better when we can add creativity, curiosity and critical thinking," said Jamie MacPherson, who was dressed as the Big Bad Wolf. "This activity, and all of them today, do all those things."
Students created popsicle-stick fairies using craft materials to make them aerodynamic and "fly" in a wind tunnel.
"I was thinking since the wind was coming upward into the ceiling," said third-grader Mayer Kass, "I was trying to make the paper around it to make it go upwards, and a bottom that can push the air up."
The students also built houses that could withstand the Big Bad Wolf, or a leaf blower, for 10 seconds.
"The Big Bad Wolf tried to blow it down, and it survived," said third-grader Sloane. "So, it was so cool."
With an instructor dressed up like a troll, students built bridges across desks for goat figurines to cross, using toothpicks, cards and marshmallows.
"Lots of excitement, lots of engagement, lots of fun," said MacPherson, "You feel it the minute they walk into the room. They're incredibly excited."
Van Andel Institute for Education has other programs including an after-school cohort, field trips and science parties.