Mr. Lugo’s STEM Class Brings Energy Concepts to Life!

Mr. Lugo’s STEM class has been an exciting hub of creativity and hands-on learning, where students explored the concepts of kinetic and potential energy through engaging, real-world projects. One of the highlights was the roller coaster challenge, where students designed and built their own roller coasters to observe how energy transfers between motion and rest. As they tested their designs, students made critical adjustments, refining their structures to optimize speed and efficiency. The project not only reinforced their understanding of physics but also encouraged problem-solving, perseverance, and innovation.

In addition to the roller coasters, 6th-grade students took on the Balloon Car challenge, where they designed and built vehicles powered by the release of stored air. Through this project, students gained a deeper understanding of force, motion, and aerodynamics while also practicing design thinking—a process that emphasizes planning, prototyping, testing, and improving. Collaboration was key, as students worked together to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot issues, and refine their designs. The experience helped them develop essential skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability, all of which are crucial in STEM fields.

Mr. Lugo’s class proved that STEM learning is most effective when students are actively engaged in hands-on exploration. By reflecting on their work and making necessary adjustments, students not only deepened their scientific knowledge but also built confidence in their ability to solve complex problems creatively. The success of these activities highlights the importance of experiential learning, where students are not just absorbing information but actively applying it in meaningful ways. As a result, they walked away with a stronger grasp of energy concepts and a newfound enthusiasm for STEM!