The School District of Manatee County held their inaugural Catapult Challenge on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Palm View K-8 in Palmetto.
The Catapult Challenge incorporates all aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) learning, according to Jennifer McManis, District STEM Coordinator.
"We hosted 25 elementary schools, with 107 TSA (Technology Student Association)/STEM Club teams participating," said Ms. McManis. "The turnout was amazing!"
To put that number into perspective, Manatee County only has 32 traditional public elementary schools.
During the Catapult Challenge, students used math to collaborate with their teammates to design and engineer a catapult using common everyday items, like plastic spoons and rubber bands.
Winning teams were recognized for distance and accuracy. Congratulations!
Accuracy Results:
1st Place - Palm View K-8 "Pulty Cats"
2nd Place - Kinnan Elementary School "Tie Dy Crew"
3rd Place - Mills Elementary School "The Mash-ups"
Distance Results:
1st Place - Harvey Elementary School "Flame Throwers"
2nd Place - Rowlett Academy "Flaming Projectiles"
3rd Place - Witt Elementary School "Da Frenchfries"
Distance results were first chosen by longest distance; and the top three were further distinguished by average distance.
The next district-wide STEM competition is held in December. The K-12 Hour of Code is an optional classroom event, and part of a nationwide event.