Students at St. Peter Academy recently showcased their creative work at the school’s first “Invention Convention”. As part of this STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) project, in grades three through six worked through a variety of design challenges to get their creative juices flowing! Eventually, each student identified a “problem” in their lives that they could solve with a new invention and then used engineering principles to create a model or prototype. For example, don’t you hate it when the eraser wears out before the pencil? Student Eddie Rice fixed that problem by creating an extra-long eraser. Hate getting up to throw things in the garbage? Callan Dean solved that by making a robotic trashcan that comes to you! Need to care for an elderly dog? Ryleigh Clapham has a wagon that can help you out.
Not to be left out, students in K2 through grade two engaged in projects related to the book “Rosie Revere, Engineer”, a story that emphasizes creative thinking and the importance of persistence. K2 designed and built hats that could help you in some way. Tess Kane designed a hat to put you in a good mood and Colin Conley designed one with every tool you might need for a picnic. In grades 1 and 2 students perfected paper airplanes to be sure they could fly more than three feet. They were quite successful!
Given how hard everyone worked to improve and perfect their projects, it was no surprise to hear the younger students ask the older ones, “What struggles did you have in making this invention?” St. Peter students and families were clearly proud of the hard work that was on display and can’t wait to do it again next year!
St. Peter Academy in an independent, community-based private school and serves students from ages 15 months through grade 6. SPA is currently accepting applications for the limited spaces available in the year-round toddler program (beginning at age 15 months) and for students in Pre-K, Kindergarten and grades 1-6. Appointments for individual tours can be made by contacting the Main Office at 617-268-0750 or by emailing SPA@StPeterAcademy.com. Join us!
