Month 2 at Mango Elementary: Introducing STEM to a New Generation of Thinkers
Updated: Apr 4
D.R.E.A.M.S. Academy welcomed a brand-new group of students to its second month of programming at Metropolitan Ministries’ Mango Elementary campus. This month focused on introducing second- and third-grade students to STEM for the very first time, guiding them through medicine, aerospace engineering, and multiple branches of engineering in a way that was accessible, exciting, and confidence-building.
For many students, this was their first exposure to concepts like blood compatibility, aerodynamics, coding, and structural design. Each week was carefully designed to meet students where they were, turning complex ideas into hands-on experiences that felt approachable and fun.
Hematology Week: Blood, the Body, and Life-Saving Decisions
The month began with medical science, introducing students to the role blood plays in keeping the human body alive and healthy. Students learned that blood is more than just something seen when you get a cut — it is responsible for carrying oxygen, nutrients, and other vital materials throughout the body, while also helping remove waste.
To bring these ideas to life, students participated in an interactive blood donation simulation. Using colored liquids to represent the four main blood types, students modeled a blood bank and a group of patients. As “donor” blood was poured into “patient” cups, students observed whether the donation was safe or unsafe. A color change meant incompatibility, while matching colors showed a successful donation. This activity helped students understand that doctors must make careful decisions and that not all blood types can be mixed.
Students then reinforced what they had learned through a Four Corners game focused on blood types and compatibility. By moving around the room to represent answers, students practiced recall and decision-making while staying active and engaged. The week helped students see that medicine combines knowledge, observation, and responsibility.
Aerospace Engineering Week: Designing Rockets and Exploring Flight
The second week introduced students to aerospace engineering, where they explored how objects fly and what makes rockets work. Students learned that engineers must think about shape, balance, and airflow when designing anything that moves through the air.
Students designed and decorated their own bottle rockets, learning how fins, symmetry, and structure affect stability and height. Once designs were complete, the entire class gathered for a rocket launch using a baking soda and vinegar propulsion system. As rockets blasted into the air, students watched closely, comparing designs and discussing why some rockets flew higher or straighter than others. The experience showed students that engineering is about experimenting, testing ideas, and learning from results.
Pure Joy in STEM: D.R.E.A.M.S. Academy Students Chant Before Rocket Launch
Engineering Exploration Week: Software & Civil Design
Mid-month, students participated in an Engineering Exploration Week, rotating through different engineering roles to experience how varied the field can be. One station focused on software engineering, where students coded using ScratchJr. Through block-based programming, students learned how to create simple programs using sequencing, start and stop commands, and cause-and-effect logic. As they adjusted their code and tested animations, students saw how clear instructions turn ideas into actions on a screen.
Another station introduced civil engineering, where students explored how buildings and bridges are designed to stay strong. Using hands-on materials, students learned why triangles are one of the most important shapes in construction and how engineers use them to distribute weight and prevent structures from collapsing. Students designed and tested their own structures, discovering how planning and design choices affect stability.
During the week, students also celebrated creativity and effort as the rocket design challenge winners from Aerospace Engineering Week were announced. The excitement was high as students received their awards and prizes, reinforcing that thoughtful design, teamwork, and persistence are worth celebrating.
Medical Science Week: Life-Saving Skills and the D.R.E.A.M.S. Academy Awards
The final week returned to medical science, focusing on life-saving skills that students could recognize and understand. Students learned the basics of CPR, how the Heimlich maneuver helps someone who is choking, and how tourniquets are used to slow severe bleeding. These lessons emphasized that staying calm, acting quickly, and knowing what to do can make a real difference in emergencies.
The month concluded with the D.R.E.A.M.S. Academy Awards Ceremony, where students were recognized for their participation, teamwork, curiosity, and growth throughout the month. The ceremony celebrated not just individual accomplishments, but the collective effort of the group as they tried new things and challenged themselves.
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