Lincoln Elementary students Grant Whisler, Andrew Hunger and Haiden McGowen worked together to design a helmet that included a hard shell, crushable foam, and soft lining. The test mannequin then housed a paint ball for test falls. Photo courtesy of Washington County 4-H.

What do helmets, windmills, axle systems and robots have in common? They were all created by the 114 kids in the STEM Club at Lincoln Elementary this year. STEM, the acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math, is the focus of the club for third through fifth grade students. Club leaders presented at the recent Washington School Board meeting and were met with praise, school board member Troy Suchan said, “I think this is something we need to support any way we can and get as many kids on board.”

The supplies were sponsored by Bazooka Farmstar, The Extension Office provided the curriculum and training to instructors, and the Lincoln library housed the club. The group asked for a contribution of $75 per month for the lead instructor and $25 for the assistant for the next round of sessions in the fall. The board will consider the funding at a later meeting.