With a handful of aluminum foil, pennies and an aluminum tin filled with water, students at Floral Park-Bellerose School took part in the school’s second Challenge Friday on March 9.
The students were challenged to create a boat using the aluminum foil and then determine how many pennies it could hold before it began to sink. Older students worked with students in younger grades to complete the activity. As part of the process, the pairs of students filled out a STEM, science, technology, engineering and math, challenge data and results sheet, to identify their problem, the supplies needed to solve it and the steps taken. In addition, they discussed what worked and what didn’t.
Challenge Friday is a new initiative that began in February. It aids students in developing their 21st-century competencies – communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Challenge Friday will continue on the first Friday of every month, much to the delight of students and staff.
“The students absolutely love it and look forward to it,” Principal Jamie Adams said. “The teachers are also excited, which is contagious for the students.”
