Students build skimmer cars in STEM class
Wadena‐Deer Creek eighth grade students learned about the principles of engineering when they designed “skimmer cars” in Mike Shrode’s STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) class.
A skimmer car is made of heavier paper stock with fins. The vehicle is launched with a rubber band and shoots across the floor. Students work in teams of two or three to build and launch the skimmer car, making modifications if needed after each test run.
Partners LaRissa Maisio and Vernonica Triebenbach won the skimmer car contest with a distance of 51 feet.
WDC expanded its class offerings to include STEM classes. WDC Schools was awarded a Project Lead the Way grant to help implement the program in grades 7 and 8. The courses focus on the skills needed for future careers in engineering, design and manufacturing.