JONESVILLE — Fifth-grade students in Jonesville took to the water May 13 as part of a hands-on science program tied to the community’s Riverfest weekend.
Students in the Williams Elementary School STEM program gathered along the banks of the St. Joseph River to race small boats they designed and built themselves. The activity marked the culmination of several weeks of classroom instruction focused on engineering and scientific principles.
STEM — an educational approach that integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics — emphasizes hands-on learning, problem-solving and real-world applications. STEM programs are designed to help students develop critical thinking and technical skills by engaging them in projects such as design challenges, experiments and collaborative problem-solving.
In Jonesville, the program included lessons in buoyancy, density and mass, concepts students applied as they constructed their boats for the race.
“It’s a way to connect what they’re learning in the classroom to something they can see and test,” STEM teacher Judy Warner said.
On race day, students launched their boats in a small creek feeding into the St. Joseph River near U.S. 12 in downtown Jonesville. The event was supported by parent volunteers and community leaders who helped coordinate the races and assist students along the course.
The activity coincided with Riverfest weekend, an annual downtown event that draws visitors to the community and highlights the riverfront.
Jonesville Community Schools stands out in Hillsdale County for its investment in STEM education. The district has a dedicated STEM teacher, providing students with structured opportunities to explore engineering and other technical fields at an early grade level.
School officials say programs like the boat-building project are intended to build both academic skills and confidence, while also sparking student interest in future careers connected to science and technology.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Boat races bring hands on STEM learning to Jonesville students
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
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