Middle Level Students Tackle Hands-On STEAM Challenge

Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Middle Level students put their engineering and collaboration skills to the test during an exciting, fast-paced STEAM Challenge on Wednesday, October 8, organized by Ms. Carrie Johnson, STEAM Director, and our Middle Level STEAM representatives. Working in teams of three, students were tasked with a single goal: build the tallest freestanding structure possible using only 15 pipe cleaners, emphasizing creative problem-solving and hands-on learning.

The challenge began with a crucial planning phase, as teams sketched their designs and formulated a construction strategy. Once building commenced, however, the students were faced with real-world "twists" designed to simulate the unpredictable challenges of a professional work environment, such as unexpected budget cuts or logistical hurdles.

To mirror these difficulties, teams had to adapt to sudden constraints. Some groups were instructed to work with their eyes closed, while others had to build using only one hand or work in complete silence. The added challenges pushed the students to find new ways to communicate, adapt their original plans, and persevere through obstacles.