STEM Programming at New Richmond Prep
What Is STEM?
STEM education is the intentional integration of science, technology, engineering, and math into a learning program that encourages inquiry, collaboration, and critical thinking.
What To Expect
Students take an active role in their learning–asking questions, collaborating with classmates, and investigating solutions through experimentation and project-based learning.
Monthly STEM Activity Schedule: 2025-2026
September: Back-to-School Scrap Paper Tower Challenge
Building Teamwork and Engineering Skills with Recycled Materials
Challenge Overview
Teams work together to build the tallest free-standing tower using only scrap paper and tape in a limited time. Perfect for the first STEM project of the year to build classroom community and introduce engineering design thinking.
October: Spooky Slime Science Laboratory
Investigating Polymers and Chemical Reactions with Halloween Fun
Laboratory Overview
Students become “mad scientists” investigating the chemistry and physics of different slime types while learning about polymers, chemical reactions, and material properties in a Halloween-themed laboratory setting.
November: Flight & Migration
Theme: Thanksgiving Flight – Birds, Paper Planes, and Migration
Lesson Overview
Students will explore the science of flight while learning about bird migration patterns during the Thanksgiving season. The lesson integrates engineering design, scientific observation, and mathematical analysis through hands-on activities differentiated by grade level.
December: Snowflake Geometry & Crystal Science
Exploring Mathematical Patterns and Crystal Formation in Winter
Lesson Overview
Students explore the mathematical beauty of snowflakes while investigating crystal formation science. This multi-faceted lesson combines geometry, symmetry, chemistry, and engineering design through hands-on activities that celebrate winter’s natural artistry.
January: Earthquake Tower Challenge
Building Earthquake-Resistant Structures with Limited Materials
Challenge Overview
Students work in teams to design and build the tallest multi-story structure possible using only popsicle sticks and glue that can survive an earthquake simulation on a shake table.
February: Black Inventors Research & Innovation Project
Celebrating African American Contributions to STEM
Project Overview
Students research influential Black inventors and their contributions to science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics, then create their own innovation inspired by these discoveries.
March: Winds: Bridge Building Challenge
Structural Engineering to Withstand Spring Storms
Challenge Overview
Students design and build bridges using limited materials that must span a gap, support weight, and withstand simulated “March wind storms.” This engineering challenge combines structural design principles with seasonal weather themes while introducing concepts of force, load distribution, and material efficiency.
April: Egg Drop Challenge
Engineering Protection Systems & Parachutes for Safe Landings
Challenge Overview
Students design and build protective systems for eggs that must survive a 10-foot drop. The challenge combines engineering design, physics principles, and problem-solving skills while incorporating both impact protection and air resistance concepts through parachutes and cushioning systems.
May: Cardboard Boat Regatta Challenge
Engineering Waterproof Vessels for the New Richmond Cardboard Boat Regatta
Challenge Overview
Students design and construct cardboard boats using only cardboard, tape, and paint that must float and potentially compete in the annual New Richmond Cardboard Boat Regatta. This authentic engineering challenge combines buoyancy principles, structural design, and waterproofing techniques while connecting to a real community event.
