Buford Senior Academy held its fourth annual STEM Derby and first STEM Night in conjunction on Thursday, Jan. 30.
STEM refers to an educational approach that focuses on teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an integrated and engaging way. The goal of STEM education is to help young students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration skills that are important for success in the modern world. Buford City Schools introduces STEM to students at an early age hoping they gain exposure to these fields and build foundational skills that might spark interest in STEM careers later on.
STEM teacher Mindy Black and fourth grade science and social studies teacher Bobby Dubay are leading the way at Buford Senior Academy.
“The primary objective of STEM Night is to provide our students with an opportunity to showcase their learning and understanding of STEM concepts,” Black said. “It’s a wonderful chance for them to demonstrate what STEM means to them and how they apply these principles in their projects and everyday lives.
“This is our first year doing STEM Night, so I am extremely excited to innovate and create with the families at BSA.”
The combination of STEM Night and the STEM Derby allowed for students and families to participate in both events this year.
“Adding in the hands-on STEM events this year really opens up the night for total community participation,” Dubay said. “I’m really excited for the families and community to come together to see the excitement Mrs. Black has created within our building for STEM.”
At the event, families enjoyed stations that ranged from creative drawing to technology and circuits, gum drop towers to pull-back cars, catapults and making mint mobiles. Each station showcased various aspects of STEM, including engineering, design, math and technology. Additionally, the event emphasized the critical role of literacy in STEM education.
The STEM Derby took place simultaneously in the gym. The event challenged students to build cars that traveled the farthest distance in a straight line using only upcycled or recycled materials. The cars could be no wider or longer than 12 inches and no taller than 8 inches while weighing under 16 ounces. Participants were not allowed to use store-bought or pre-made wheels, and ball bearings of any type could not be used as wheels.
“We had over 60 students sign up this year,” Dubay said. “The derby is a version of the pine wood derby done by the Boy Scouts, and we even have a design competition where the entire school votes on their favorite car. I’m always so impressed by the bravery of our students! Creating and showing off their designs in front of friends and family is such an inspiring moment.”
The cars were tested on a wooden ramp with an elevation of two feet. Cars were placed at the top of the ramp and released twice for the competition, and the trial with the longest distance in a straight line counted as the final distance.
Cooper Burke, a fourth grader, participated in the derby and his parents, Ethan and Ashleigh, enjoyed attending STEM Night and were impressed by all the interactive events for the entire family to enjoy.
“Cooper loved the creating and design process. He thought it was cool to have to find objects around the house to use for the car. He said the most difficult but also the most rewarding was the wheels – figuring out what to use to make them, how to attach them and then doing the trial runs to see what worked best,” Ashleigh Burke said. “He really enjoyed seeing all of the other cars and getting ideas for next year. He said that now he knows that he needs to focus on distance and not speed to win the race.”
Dubay was excited to receive positive feedback from participants following the event, as well.
One parent email he received read, “From my boys who have always wanted to participate in a Boy Scouts’ Derby Race but were unable because of their heavy sports schedule, the looks on their faces were priceless. Thanks for putting this on! They had so much fun and are already talking about how they are going to make their car next year after eyeing everyone else’s.”
STEM Night and STEM Derby proved to be a fun way to bring families together for an exciting evening filled with hand-on activities and friendly competition. It was the perfect blend of learning and excitement that simultaneously fostered a sense of community and potentially inspired the next generation of STEM leaders.
Buford Senior Academy’s principal, Katie Neal, loved seeing the Buford community come together to empower students to become the innovators, thinkers and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
“STEM/Derby Night at BSA was an incredible family engagement event, bringing families together to tackle exciting STEM challenges,” Neal said. “It was heartwarming to see parents and students collaborating, engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing smiles as they worked through each activity. The Derby added to the excitement, with students showcasing their creativity and families cheering each other on with enthusiasm. The support and camaraderie among everyone made the night truly special. This event has become a cherished tradition, and we look forward to continuing it for many years to come.”
FEATURED PHOTO: Third grade STEM Derby winners are, from left, Miguel Guzman in third place, Kora Graff in second and Brandon Rivers, who took first place. The derby was held at Buford Senior Academy. Photo by Bobby Dubay.
