Van Buren Elementary students continue to make their mark in the world of STEM innovation! This year, the entire fifth grade participated in the Ohio STEM Learning Network’s (OSLN) annual Design Challenge, working together in Mr. Beining’s STEAM class to tackle one of the most pressing issues of the future: sustaining life in low-Earth orbit.
The 2024 challenge tasked students with developing a plan, system, or product to improve the sustainable use of materials, habitable space, or energy aboard the Starlab space station—a concept that could also translate to a more sustainable future on Earth.
The winning fifth grade team of Rikki Sattler, Makayla Reier, and Lily Franks rose to the challenge with an innovative solution: a vertical hydroponic system designed to grow plants in space. Their biggest hurdle, however, was figuring out how to water the plants in a zero-gravity environment. The team devised a creative solution using a sponge design with micro-injection tubes, allowing water to reach the plants without floating away.
Thanks to their ingenuity, the team earned the opportunity to present their design at the statewide showcase on March 4 at Battelle in Columbus. This marks the third consecutive year that Van Buren Elementary has been represented at the prestigious event, a testament to our commitment to hands-on, real-world STEM learning.
Congratulations to all of the fifth grade students who participated in this exciting challenge and our state showcase team of Rikki, Makayla, and Lily for their outstanding job representing our school!
