Lighting the fire with Spark!
These countries always have a link to the STEM activity, creating a real-world context for the learnings from the challenge.
Little known to the community at large, Stanstead’s very own Grand Prix of sorts has been taking place in the classrooms of Stanstead’s elementary schools this month. This one, much quieter than the actual Grand Prix, maybe not quite as fast, and with cars designed by our very own students. In this case too, the goal is different, not to race each other but to go the distance of the 2 meter long track. This mini “Grand Prix” is our latest Stem-based challenge designed by the Phelps Helps Spark team, as we continue our monthly Spark sessions. This May, we are challenging our imaginative and resourceful kids to build simple wind-powered vehicles.
Phelps Helps’ in-class Spark program, with sessions at the French and English elementary schools in Stanstead, is one of Phelps’ newer initiatives, first piloted in the spring of 2021. Jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are increasingly classed as the future careers of the economy, and the earlier we start with our kids, the better equipped they are to do well in school, and the better prepared they are in their future jobs and careers. The Stem-based challenges also foster key life skills, in particular problem-solving, critical thinking and cooperative learning. All the above have been key reasons behind the creation of Phelps Helps’ Spark program.
In addition to the Stem-based challenges, a component of our Spark sessions is that for each monthly project, we also introduce the young students to a different region of the world. Using a powerpoint presentation, our team talks about aspects of other cultures, the idea being to cultivate an awareness and understanding of the rich cultural heritage and variation in the world around us. Since October, Spark has introduced students to eight different regions of the world. We have visited Qatar, Taiwan, Somalia, Peru, China, Nunavut, and we have talked about Christmas traditions around the world. This month our featured country is Monaco which holds one of the more popular Grand Prix’s worldwide.
These countries always have a link to the STEM activity, creating a realworld context for the learnings from the challenge. For example, for Qatar, home to the FIFA World Cup 2022, the challenge was to make flags for countries around the world, including
Qatar. Over the past year, participants have also made kites, leaning into Chinese traditions, developed water filtration systems like those needed in Somalia, and experimented in methods of insulation, a much needed solution to cope with the cold of Nunavut.
This May, students aim to construct a wind-powered vehicle, encouraging our youth to consider the physics of force and motion and to examine the structure of a vehicle, its wheels, frame, axis, and its engine, in this case a sail. Using paper cups, wooden wheels, dowels, popsicle sticks, tape, foam, toilet paper rolls and a variety of paper, the kids have been working in teams to create these simple, but creatively imagined, machines.
The Spark sessions have been a huge success with students and teachers alike. This month, at the special request of kindergarten teachers, Spark will for the first ever time visit Stanstead’s kindergarten classes with a Stem-based activity. True to its name, the program has sparked considerable interest and we are keen to continue the fun this August at our Stem-based day camp. The fire has been lit!
Phelps Aide Phelps Helps was founded in 2012 and has grown organically from a single high school tutoring program to six unique programs, providing the Stanstead area with free educational and career support. For more information or to volunteer, please email us at info@phelpshelps.ca, visit our website www.phelpshelps.ca or call our offices at 819-704-0799.