‘Empowered to improve’: Schools participate in 2024 K’NEX STEM Design Challenge
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Nine area schools from Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga and Bradford counties participated in the 7th annual Regional K'NEX STEM Design Challenge, hosted by BLaST IU 17, which took place in Lycoming College's Keiper Recreation Center.
Teams in grades 4 and 5 and 6 through 8 were asked to identify a current problem in the field of agriculture and design a prototype of a machine that could be used to address that issue by way of "high-tech farming," according to a press release from BLaST IU 17.
The K'NEX STEM Design Challenge tested the skills of 20 teams totaling approximately 70 students. Participating school districts included Athens Area, East Lycoming, Jersey Shore Area, Montgomery Area, Montoursville Area, Southern Tioga, Sullivan County, Wellsboro Area and Wyalusing Area.
Each team comprised four members had to create a blueprint, build a prototype using K'NEX kit pieces and recycled materials, and present their prototype, the press release said.
"We are excited to see the innovation and creativity that our students are displaying," said Mandi Fair, IU 17 STEM & online learning specialist, according to the release. "We find this particular challenge especially relevant to our area because we have so many farms and rural communities. We are excited to see this next generation of students interested in STEM-related fields and empowered to improve the lives of everyone in their communities and around the world."
Representatives from Crescent Ridge Farm, DCNR, Lycoming College, Pennsylvania College of Technology and West Pharmaceutical Company participated in judging the teams on key 21st-century learning skills including creativity, teamwork, challenge success, design and presentation, according to the release.
Winning teams included:
4th and 5th grade
• 1st: Cranberry Cruzers -- Athens Area
• 2nd: Sweet Stuff -- Wellsboro Area
• 3rd: Omega Slayer Machine 3000 -- Athens Area
6th through 8th grade
• 1st: Agri-All Stars -- Wellsboro Area
• 2nd: Gifted with Greatness -- East Lycoming
• 3rd: Quad Squad -- Wyalusing Area
The first-place regional teams in each grade band, Cranberry Cruzers and Agri-All Stars, will advance to the state competition on May 3 in Harrisburg.
For more information on BLaST IU 17 and the many programs and services offered, please visit their website at www.IU17.org.