Clairbourn’s preschool and kindergarten students had an exciting STEM learning experience, taking inspiration from the classic tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The project centered on the scientific exploration of parachute design, giving our young students a fascinating and educational journey. Students embraced the design thinking process, an approach that includes empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping and testing. To start, they had a special visit from Mr. Beaber, the I-Lab teacher, who discussed the fundamental principles of wind, gravity and air resistance. These concepts laid the groundwork for their parachute design exploration.
As they dove deeper into the project, the students began to appreciate the relationship between surface area, material properties, and air resistance, all of which are important factors in countering the force of gravity. Students learned through brainstorming, testing and hands-on construction of parachutes designed to ensure Jack’s safe landing from the beanstalk.
The design process included testing of various materials and parachute shapes. The students developed prototypes, expanding their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Thorne, facilitated the parachute drops from a tall staircase on campus. These exciting experiments led to further design modifications and several more rounds of testing, giving the students the opportunity to refine their designs.
The highlight of this educational adventure was our annual Clairbourn Early Learning STEM Event, where parents actively participated, joining their children in building and testing parachutes. The event was a thrilling experience for all involved, establishing a strong collaboration between teachers, parents and students while reinforcing the hands-on STEM education at an early age.
At Clairbourn, we are committed to establish a positive foundation and design a program to encourage children’s natural love of learning in an environment where they feel comfortable, confident and secure. Children in our preschool program are prepared to enter kindergarten with a positive self-concept, the spirit of inquiry and critical thinking and problem-solving skills!
