During their weekly STREAM class, SJS 5th graders have been learning about the Engineering design process (Ask, Research, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve) and implemented each step as part of the Ultraviolet Light Shelter Challenge.  For this project, students worked in groups to construct a shelter that would safely protect an astronaut from exposure to ultraviolet light.  Using UV-sensitive beads and special UV flashlights, students were able to explore how different materials absorb UV light and use that information to construct their shelter. As a final twist, Mrs. Poth tested the durability of each shelter using rocks to represent asteroids.

Since this fun, yet educational activity involved ultraviolet light, students also learned about UV radiation and checked out the UV index on our school’s weather station at the start of each class.