STEM project at AWM

Photos courtesy of WMSD

STEM project at AWM

What’s harder than building a house of cards? Why, a tower of balloons, of course. But, Academies of West Memphis math teacher Joanne Smith’s opening day STEM activity required students to do just that. The students were given the mission to design the tallest free-standing balloon tower, and the only materials given to each group were one pack of assorted balloons and a roll of masking tape. The balloon tower had to be free standing, but the base could be taped to the floor, if needed. “The students really got into the building and the groups worked well collaboratively,” said Smith. “Lots of great conversation and strategies were involved.”