FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
December 4, 2015 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909)595-1261 ext. 31204
Cultivating Critical Thinkers
Project Lead the Way Engages Evergreen Students
DIAMOND BAR, CA--Evergreen Elementary third graders are designing unpowered gliders using an engineering app in a Science of Flight lesson.
After completing the plans, they build model aircraft, continuously testing and modifying to achieve maximum flight distance.
The gliders could be used to bring basic supplies to an area hit by a natural disaster in the “real world” simulation, through Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch, a program that began last year at the Diamond Bar campus.
In another class, kindergartners work together designing “tall and strong” Jack and the Beanstalk structures from pipe cleaners.
They request help from peers during “Think Tank” discussions to solve design dilemmas, relating to function and structure.
“A good base needs to be spread out so it can be strong,” comments youngster Emily Chang. “PLTW is good for my brain!”
“PLTW is wonderful because it provides a complete STEM program that meets the Next Generation Science Standards and integrates Math and Language Arts standards,” third grade teacher Lynne Stark explains.
“The best thing is that PLTW is highly engaging and fun for our students!”
PLTW is the nation’s leading provider of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for schools. PLTW Launch provides the first step in PLTW that continues in Walnut Valley middle and high schools.
“Since implementing PLTW, students have become greater collaborators, more creative problem solvers, and have developed more critical thinking through innovative, hands-on, real world problem solving,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.
Students love the program, become totally engaged in the learning activities and develop more rigorous skills and knowledge while having fun!
“PLTW is a great initiative to influence and encourage children in developing and nurturing early STEM skills,” shares parent Neeta Bhat.
“These PLTW activities are instilling the necessary life skills in these children which they will benefit from, at every step in their life,” adds parent Rajesh Gupta.
Evergreen is the first WVUSD elementary school to offer the PLTW Launch program.
“It is a fabulous example of what teamwork can accomplish. Our extensive community support, district support, and dedicated teachers working together help our Evergreen Eagles soar!” Wills said.
Shown:
In the Science of Flight Module, Evergreen third graders design gliders using Autodesk engineering software in the PLTW Launch program.
Evergreen kindergarten groups build beanstalk structures using flexible pipe cleaners.
Kindergarten teacher Mona Warren leads a “Think Tank” discussion on Keys to Success attributes.
Evergreen fifth graders program and build robots through the PLTW Launch program.