The Superior Express -

This week third through fifth grade students Lawrene-Nelson school pupils along with some help from the extension office, kicked off the STEM program at the Nelson Public Library. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics form the STEM program. Amy Brockman, Nuckolls County extension assistant, taught students about engineering. Students were given materials to design their own wind-powered boat. The boats were then tested by using a fan and seeing if the boat would slide along the table. If their boat failed, students were given the chance to re-design their boat and try again.

Mason Menke tries out his air powered boat in front of the fan, while Amy Brockman, Nuckolls County extension assistant, asks questions about his boat, and what he feels he can do to correct the problem he is having.

Through STEM programs, youth are to develop positive interests and attitudes about science and seek higher education opportunities and careers related to the field. The Nelson Library currently has six backpacks on hand containing at least two books and the directions and supplies needed to complete each of the six STEM activities. Backpacks on hand are Magic of Yeast Baking, Butterfly Metamorphosis, All About Tornadoes, Pollinators – BEE Mine, Engineer It, and Food for Animals. Stop in and check out yours for some family fun and learning. All you need is a library card. They are recommended for elementary through middle school readers.