During an energy and force of motion unit, Winthrop Avenue students in Christopher Merz’s class were given a task to design and build shields to protect an object against a collision. During the science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics activity the students not only learned about the absorption of energy, they were also given the opportunity to utilize fair testing methods in which the conditions and variables of their experiments with the shields remained constant. 

Divided into teams, the students started their challenge by designing a model of a protective cover out of at least two materials, including cotton, tape, paper, cardboard and more to protect an object from cracking when dropped from a height of one meter. During the design process, the students defined design problems that needed to be solved, including constraints and criteria, and compared and evaluated solutions to their design issues.

Each team used tinkercad.com to create and print a 3D shield based on their finished model. The printed shields then wrapped around a plastic Easter egg holding two marbles, which were individually dropped in a controlled environment. The object of the testing was to determine which shield design adequately protected the eggs from breaking apart and spilling the marbles.   

Throughout the challenge, students asked questions and predicted outcomes about the changes of energy that occurred when their objects collided with the ground. 

The Winthrop Avenue fourth grade chorus emoted images of ringmasters, animal performances, clowns and tightrope walkers during two performances of a circus-themed concert, under the direction of teacher Maria Martucci and choreographed by Mallory Aranoff. 

Held on Feb. 14 for parents and peers, the well-rehearsed choral group sang “When the Circus Comes to Town,” “Who Wants to be the Ringmaster?” “The Mane Event,” “Clowning Around,” and a reprise of “When the Circus Came to Town.” Additionally, the students led the audience in the singing of the “Winthrop Avenue Song,” and students Sophie Levinsohn on cello and William Shuart on violin performed a duet at the beginning of the show. As part of the Winthrop Avenue tradition, student leaders took the opportunity to announce each of the songs. 

Ms. Martucci, during her opening remarks, told parents that the students have been practicing their music for several weeks in preparation for the concert and thanked them for their dedication and support of the music program.