6th Grade STEM Class Creates Human Cantilever Bridge Project

6th Grade students at French American School of Princeton have been studying how the forces of compression and tension work together to create structure and balance in the engineering of bridges in their STEM class. This past week students created a Human Cantilever Bridge! It was inspired by this project produced by Princeton University, and by the famous image of Kaichi Watanabe (below center) demonstrating Benjamin Barker’s model of a cantilever before it was used to create Forth Bridge in Scotland.

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, is incorporated into every grade at FASP but becomes especially important in middle school.

Middle school is a critical time for students to start building upon their foundation in STEM subjects, as these skills are essential for success in high school and college. By developing a strong understanding of STEM concepts in middle school, students will be better prepared for advanced coursework in these subjects.

STEM fields offer some of the most in-demand and lucrative career opportunities. By introducing students to STEM concepts in middle school, they can explore their interests and start developing the skills they will need for careers in these fields.

Students enjoy experimenting with and using real-world problem-solving skills. STEM subjects provide students with the tools to solve real-world problems. In middle school, students can start to apply their knowledge to everyday challenges and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Innovation and creativity is encouraged and fostered in STEM. By exposing students to STEM concepts in middle school, they can start to explore their own ideas and develop their own solutions to problems.

Overall, STEM is important in middle school because it helps students develop the skills and knowledge they will need for future success in higher education and the workforce.

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