Butterfield students conduct STEM experiments in Libertyville

Butterfield Elementary School fourth- and fifth-grade students are tapping into their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge this week as they explore speed, acceleration and other topics.

Seven STEM experiments are being conducted and guided by gifted, talented and enrichment teacher Conna Rech at the Libertyville school. Students also have been exploring balance, gravity and distance during the projects.

Rech attended the Mickelson Exxon Mobile Math and Science Teacher Academy last year and said phenomenon-based learning and teaching can have a significant impact on getting students excited about math and science.

"This week's lessons are designed to really integrate math and science and allow the students to see the relation between the two. The real-world connections we are bringing to the work, as well as the hands-on discovery process, makes the information valuable to them," Rech said.

She is providing students a sample of what she learned at the academy, with hopes they gain the confidence to make sense of the material and to not be afraid of learning new things.

"The more meaningful exposure we can give to students with STEM concepts at a younger age, the more likely they are to pursue higher level math and science courses as they work through their school career," Rech added.