Over the last several weeks, Mars Area Elementary School students have been collaborating on a project to build bobsled track marble runs in their STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) classes.

Students in Grades 2-4 are working together to build five bobsled tracks, using cardboard tubes and masking tape. Each class of students works to design, build and decorate the tracks, then passes the project on to the next class, leaving construction notes for their peers to build upon their work.

Each team will receive points for the length, quality and sturdiness of their tracks as well as the look of their design. At the conclusion of the project, the students will test their tracks with a small marble and a large marble and will, again, receive points, if the marble completes the entire course or travels beyond the halfway point.

This Olympics-themed project is focused on team building and developing students’ communication skills, says Colleen Hinrichsen, STEAM teacher. Students are also learning about and using the Engineering by Design process.

For more information, call (724) 625-3161.