The STEM class took an experiment to new heights on October 14 behind WMS with the help of local firefighters in order to make the scientific experience come alive.

STEM is a new elective at WMS this year. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Math. Students used a firefighter ladder to test egg drops in parachutes they designed. The class is taught by Mr. Olvesen.

Mr. Olvesen explained that the egg symbolizes computer and camera systems that will be dropped during a mission to Mars. The class was trying to figure out the safest way to drop the robot. They used such a fragile object because the systems are “very fragile and you can’t have them break or else the mission will fail.” One of  Mr. Olvesen’s main focuses in the experiment was to teach about engineering design.

Mr. Olvesen talked about the firefighter’s role in the experiment. He wanted to use the ladder to go higher, hoping to take the research to the next level while at the same time intending for the community to be involved.

Mr. Olvesen thought the students would enjoy the experiment, especially because “it’s fun to see things fall.” He thinks the fact that the student designed the models themselves got them interested as well. The models are made out of recycled products. The parachutes are garbage bags or balloons. The bodies are styrofoam trays. The bodies also consist of usv solar panels and cameras. The cameras are held by bendy straws.

Finally, Mr. Olvesen talked about further experiments. This experiment was the end of a lesson. Now the class is designing prosthetic limbs.

Later, the two present firefighters and some students shared their thoughts on the day.

The firefighters there were T.J. Kane and David Wines. The fire station said they were “more than happy to [help]” when they got the call to help their local middle school. They thought is was important to help the community in teaching the youth. Both were very “excited” to help in any way possible.

Two students in STEM, Vibha Madhava and Elijah Williams, commented on the experiment. Right away, Vibha was excited to jump into the experiment because she is a fan of science, math, and engineering. Viba especially liked making the parachute and rover, saying “my brother helped.” Elijah liked researching “all the different instruments that each rover used.” He also enjoyed learning about MMRT (Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric generator).

In the end, Mr. Olvesen was asked what he is most excited about the future of his program. He said that he wants to “continue to challenge” his students. Continuing to say ‘As I learn more” and “As I as get more critique” from his students he wants to expand their knowledge with more challenging projects. Olvesen finally quoted “I’m learning from them as much as they are learning from themselves!”