L-S Propellers Win IU-13 STEM Design Challenge
The fifth-grade LS Propellers took first place at the 2023 IU13 STEM Design Challenge.
The award-winning LS Propellers: Jackson Zook, Ella Schaefer, Mr. Eric Balak, Logan Crawford, and Kasen Fasnacht
On Friday, March 3, fifth-grade students Logan Crawford, Kasen Fasnacht, Ella Schaefer, and Jackson Zook, led by their coach/mentor Mr. Balak, competed against 15 other elementary (4th and 5th grade) teams in an authentic, relevant STEM Design Challenge at the IU13, and earned FIRST PLACE in Lancaster County!
Over the last few months, the team (The LS Propellers) was tasked to identify and research a real-world environmental issue and create a solution. The group decided to address the removal of microplastics from the ocean, and using K’Nex, built a prototype to support their solution. The group maintained a design notebook, a blueprint, and a two-minute video presentation on how their model answered the challenge. During this process, the team also interviewed a civic engineer from Philadelphia, Mr. Andrew Lohr, who provided additional information and feedback to guide their project. After months of hard work and dedication (including a few early school days), the LS Propellers competed against other schools in person. They had only two hours to build their prototype, followed by a live presentation to a panel of judges and other contestants. The LS Propellers earned 1st place in the Lancaster/Lebanon competition! They brought a trophy to showcase and personal medals back to Hans Herr Elementary School. In May, the team will compete at the state level against other first-place teams. Stay tuned to see how they place at the next level!
Congratulations to the LS Propellers =)