First Grade Engineering Challenge

Last week in science, the First Grade learned how the sun appears to move across the sky during the day.  They learned that the sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.  “We then applied this knowledge to an engineering challenge,” said Mrs. Long, First Grade Teacher.  With a partner, the girls had to make a playhouse that had 3 windows and 1 door.  The windows had to be placed so that the sunlight came into the playhouse all day long. The girls used a flashlight to mimic sunlight, and test their design.  “If the sunlight did not shine in the playhouse all day long, then they had to change their design,” said Mrs. Long. “They had a lot of fun with this project!”

Villa Maria Academy empowers young women through leadership and service in the IHM tradition. As a Catholic elementary school, Villa is committed to the moral and spiritual growth of each student. As an all-girls school, Villa Maria differentiates instruction to the specific needs of girls, while integrating the latest in instructional technology.