Unbelievably packed into one late afternoon on May 16, Rochester Memorial School for the second consecutive year celebrated its students’ achievements in various expressions via an event dubbed STEAM-a-palooza.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, and some of the things produced by RMS students encompass multiple facets within the STEAM theme.
Among the items on display in the school’s cafetorium was the X-Track Snow Hauler, made of Legos by sixth grader Cody Sorenson, a 12-year-old dirt-biker from Rochester.
“The whole idea is that they need certain trucks in Antarctica, so I built this snow hauler to transport, like, different things around Antarctica, and there’s more than one thing it can do,” said Cody. “It has a cab to research, and it also has (equipment) if they have to recover anything.”
Cody’s display identified the Problem as “multiple trucks that do only one job each.”
Under a Purpose subtitle, Cody’s display states, “I built the X-Track Snow Hauler to conquer the Arctic in a more functional way. It is capable of towing vehicles stuck in the snow and ice. It can also haul equipment needed by researchers. The bed can transport food and supplies needed. The cabin has a workstation that can double as sleeping quarters.”
The truck’s features include: a 4×4 articulating suspension, high-floatation tires, a winch with kinetic rope, spare tire, gas/electric hybrid and fog/work lights.
On the left side of Cody’s display were photos of past and present efforts to carry out the same work, including a 1939 Antarctic Snow Cruiser deployed by the U.S. Antarctic Service from 1939 to 1941. There were also photos of a Delta Cargo Truck and Delta Shelter Truck, both of which are still in use today.
The truck was one of many impressive projects, art forms and problem-solving inventions.
“This night is a fantastic event for RMS students to showcase their scientific inquiries, engage in math games, explore various types of art and show off their own artwork,” said RMS Principal Heidi Letendre in a press release about the event.
The event showcased a variety of student achievements and projects, including The Art Show, musical ensembles, math games and STEM challenges, according to the release.
A book fair was held in the library, and everyone gathered in the gymnasium for a grand finale of Grade 3 students participating in the early stages of music education by way of what they call a “recorder concert.” A beat and music with familiar songs is played to the students, who sing with it and then show off their abilities following along with horns.
“We are so fortunate to have such dedicated faculty and staff who have organized this 2nd Annual STEAM-a-palooza night for everyone to enjoy,” said Letendre in the release.
Added Old Rochester Regional Superintendent of Schools Mike Nelson, “I would like to thank our student participants as well as our dedicated faculty and staff for organizing another successful STEAM-a-palooza.”
STEAM-a-palooza
By Mick Colageo