Elementary Science Olympiad Returns to Chattanooga State: Students Engaged and Inspired by STEM Activities

After a three-year hiatus, the Elementary Science Olympiad has resurfaced in Chattanooga State. A whopping 270 students from third to fifth grade participated in an array of 24 STEM-related activities. Among them, fourth graders Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann collaborated together, successfully completing the egg drop challenge without breaking their egg. They employed bubble wrap in their project, while other participants experimented with various techniques such as paper or Styrofoam.

Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans were engrossed in activities like sky quest, where they put their knowledge of constellations to the test and matched scientists to their inventions. Megan Bragg, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Chattanooga State, organized different stations like ‘bridge-a-roni’ where students constructed pasta structures to determine how much weight they could hold before cracking. Bragg stresses the importance of fostering an interest in these subjects to motivate students to pursue careers in these areas.

The Elementary Science Olympiad offers a unique blend of fun and education for students, providing them with valuable insights into potential career paths in STEM fields. Participants like Cavanagh and Yann concur that the event is both enjoyable and enlightening, emphasizing the significance of engaging in STEM-related activities for young learners.