Magnetic Vibes at Bishoptennial Spirit Night

Our most recent event took place at Bishop Elementary School, marking the celebration of the start of their 100th school year. This year, the theme revolved around the penny, and our team embraced it wholeheartedly. Drawing inspiration from all things Lincoln, we crafted a unique educational experience that connected students to this cherished coin.

As representatives of the STEM Education Institute, we faced the exciting challenge of integrating STEM education surrounding the theme of a penny. Our goal was to create an engaging learning opportunity that would also capture the students' imaginations while intaking valuable scientific concepts. What better way to spark curiosity than through the fascinating world of magnets?

At our booth, we featured an interactive educational game that invited students to explore the properties of magnets in relation to pennies. The activity involved sorting between real pennies and fake pennies that were actually magnets. As students participated, they discovered a fun scientific fact: real pennies, composed primarily of copper, do not stick to magnets. This hands-on experience not only gathered their understanding of magnetism but also encouraged critical thinking as they engaged in sorting and reasoning. When students needed a break from magnets, they visited our neighboring table to learn from Toyota representatives how to build a battery out of pennies!

The response to our game was overwhelmingly positive! Students eagerly gathered at our table, drawn in by the challenge and the fun. Our dedicated team was thrilled to host the activity, sharing insights about magnetic fields while ensuring that every participant enjoyed themselves.

Overall, the event was more than a success! We left the elementary school with smiles on our faces, knowing that we sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity about science in the scientists of the future we met. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the local schools and community. We look forward to future events where we can continue to inspire and educate students in creative and enjoyable ways!