Millbrook Central School District held its annual Engineers Week from April 22 through 26, 2004. A celebration of the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education, the week’s events encourage students from Pre-K through grade 12 to explore different aspects of the world of engineering through special projects and activities. 

This year’s activities were led by a group of IBM engineers who developed projects meant to emphasize various attributes that lead to success in their field, including creativity, innovation and teamwork. Their hope was to provide students with insights into potential career paths and expose them to new aspects of STEM education.

At Millbrook High School, Neal Moriarty and colleague Jason Rowland visited science classes to engage students in a challenge that involved building boats with limited supplies to find out which structures would hold the most weight. Students collaborated to hone their problem-solving skills while applying scientific principles from their classroom studies.

Alden Place Elementary students also delved into a construction project, dividing into small groups to construct bridges out of toothpicks and miniature marshmallows. The goal was to create a bridge capable of supporting a cup full of pennies. The most successful structures held almost 60, and students later analyzed their designs to identify areas for improvement.

Alden Place Principal Thomas Libka said that the students are always enthusiastic about their Engineers Week activities.

“All of the kids were really excited, especially the ones who had really successful projects,” he said. “When the engineers asked one group in particular if they’d like to try it again next year, the entire room cheered, ‘YES!’”

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