Waverly Avenue Elementary students practiced basic engineering principles as they worked together to construct balloon-powered cars during an interactive STEAM lesson.

In the school’s new STEAM room, students from Cathy Juliano’s fourth-grade class began collaborating on designs to create a functioning self-propelled balloon car. Supplied with foam balls, straws, wooden rods, tape, rubber bands, a water bottle and a balloon, students began to assemble their cars. Assisted by art teacher Susan Kinsey and Librarian Luann Cronin, students applied problem-solving techniques throughout the construction process to overcome design obstacles and effectively complete their vehicles. 

At the conclusion of the lesson, the student groups came together to test their balloon-powered cars and collectively discussed solutions to improve their vehicles.