Students in Potsdam High School’s Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program spent the day at SUNY Potsdam participating in a variety of hands-on workshops during the college’s annual STEM Day. Students explored science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive activities designed to challenge their creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Introduction to Engineering Design students began the day in the WISER Center, where they took part in an inquiry-based activity that required them to work in teams to construct a tower garden. The workshop encouraged students to think critically about structure, design, and functionality while learning the importance of collaboration in engineering. The same group also attended a session focused on 3D geometric shapes, where they created models and examined the mathematical properties that influence the way engineers design real-world structures.
Meanwhile, students in the Principles of Engineering class explored the evolution of humans and their use of tools throughout history. The workshop concluded with a hands-on demonstration in which students tested their aim and understanding of physics by throwing atlatl darts at a target.
Later in the day, the group participated in a stream table design challenge that required them to reinforce a riverbed to protect a model house and design a dam capable of holding a specific amount of water. This activity gave students the opportunity to apply engineering concepts to an environmental setting, using experimentation to understand erosion and water flow.
STEM Day at SUNY Potsdam provided PLTW students with the chance to apply classroom learning in a collegiate environment, engage with experts, and experience the problem-solving process that defines careers in science and engineering.