3rd-4th STEM Project-based learning
Grades 3 - 4Some information is not shown until you have an approved application, and logged in with an approved account.
Course Schedule
Dates: 2025-08-26 to 2026-04-07
Cost
Supplies: $25
Expectations and Homework
Prerequisites
Class Supplies Needed
Get in Touch
About the Course
Get ready to imagine, explore, and create in our dynamic 3rd/4th Grade STEM class! This hands-on course is designed to spark curiosity and inspire young minds through exciting projects and real-world problem-solving. Students will dive into the fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), working both independently and in teams to discover how things work and why.
If you took this class last year, we’d love to have you back! The activities and projects for the coming year will be new and exciting, giving you fresh challenges to explore while building on the skills you’ve already learned.
Students will explore a variety of engaging STEM topics, possibly including:
- Simple Machines: Learn how levers, pulleys, wheels, and axles help us do work more easily.
- Forces & Motion: Investigate how different forces affect the way objects move.
- Renewable Energy: Discover the power of the sun, wind, and water in creating sustainable energy.
- Structures & Stability: Understand what makes buildings and bridges strong and how engineers design them to last.
At the heart of our class is the Engineering Design Process, which guides students through asking questions, imagining creative solutions, planning carefully, creating prototypes, and improving designs based on what they’ve learned. This process helps build critical thinking and resilience as students test and refine their ideas.
Hands-on activities might include:
- Balloon Rocket Races: Use balloons, string, and straws to create rockets that demonstrate the principles of thrust, force, and Newton’s Third Law of Motion.
- Catapult Construction: Build and test mini catapults to learn about levers, tension, and projectile motion while experimenting with force, angles, and accuracy.
- Straw Bridge Challenge: Use straws and tape to create bridges that can hold the most weight, applying concepts of load distribution, tension, and compression.
We hope to use an online maker space program again next year. If so, there will be an opportunity for up to three class days in which students will be invited to bring a laptop to class for individual or partner participation. This is NOT a requirement as I will project the screen for all students to see and participate, but is an option. There will also be an opportunity for at-home work with access to this program. More information about this will come in the summer.
This STEM class is all about curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Students will leave with new problem-solving skills, a deeper understanding of how the world works, and the confidence to tackle any challenge!
Class payment options accepted: Venmo, PayPal, check.
A minimum of 6 students must be registered for the course to proceed as scheduled.
Registration
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About Allison
Hello! I’m excited to be at Cornerstone for another year! I teach STEM for 3rd–6th grades and 5th/6th language arts, encouraging curiosity, hands-on learning, and independent thinking.
Before homeschooling our family for the last nine years, I taught kindergarten for nearly ten years, led summer enrichment courses, and presented professional development in technology and literacy. I hold degrees in Business, Communications, and Spanish from the University of Minnesota and Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, plus National Board Certification.
Outside class, I love gardening, biking, hiking, crafting, and reading—you’ll always find me with a book or two in my bag!
About Claire
My name is Claire Powers and I have been homeschooling for 12 years. My family joined Cornerstone Classical Educators in 2020 and it has been a tremendous blessing to us! I have been a substitute teacher at Cornerstone for the last couple of years and am excited to officially jump in with the preschoolers during Tuesday afternoons!
I graduated high school as a homeschooler and received a degree from Ivy Tech Sellersburg in Visual Communications. I have been a full-time stay at home mom since having my first child in 2009. Since then, I have served for nine years as a leader with the American Heritage Girls Troop IN1911 and volunteered with our sons' Scout organizations. I support my husband as a worship director and youth Bible study leader at our church as well.
I live in Georgetown, Indiana with my husband, two sons, one daughter, and our miniature aussie doodle. We love to camp, hike, and adventure together as a family. My husband and I have played music together for over 20 years and enjoy recording in our home studio, as well as playing/seeing shows. I love to cook and bake as well!
I am looking forward to all of the fun that this upcoming school year will bring! I pray that the Lord will lead and guide us every step of the way as we continue homeschooling our children with the support of Cornerstone Classical Educators.
Preferred methods of payment:
-Venmo @claire_elise_powers
-PayPal @ClairePowers
-Personal check