Gavin D., a fifth-grade student from Kempton, Pa., was named a winner of Pennsylvania-based Reach Cyber Charter School’s 2024 Winter STEM Challenge.
Reach Cyber Charter School integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning into all aspects of its curriculum for students across Pennsylvania – inside virtual classrooms, on field trips, during after school activities, and even during winter break. Its annual Winter STEM Challenge allow students to put their skills and creativity to the test.
“Here at Reach Cyber, we’re always creating an environment where students can apply what they learn in their classes in a way that’s fun and practical,” said Danielle Leibig, STEM Camp Manager at Reach Cyber Charter School. “The Winter STEM Challenge has become a staple for Reach Cyber families. It reinforces hands-on learning while encouraging students to discover their maximum potential for creativity and imagination.”
The theme of Reach Cyber’s 2024 Winter STEM Challenge was Cardboard Creations. Using only cardboard materials, Reach Cyber students were instructed to create and submit projects that fit into one of four categories: Tiny but Mighty, a creation that fits in a hand; Bigger the Better, any creation larger than a hand; Structured to Function, created to be practical and usable; and Watch Me Move, creations that use energy to move.
The challenge also includes a Family/Group category, allowing multiple students in multiple grade levels at Reach Cyber to submit a creation as a team, as well as a Faculty category for staff to participate.
Davis’ snowball marble maze earned the top spot for the fifth-grade level. Other challenge submissions included a music box, carnival, wagon, Skee-Ball Lane, fireplace, and more.
The winners of the 2024 Reach Cyber Charter School STEM Challenge are:
Elementary Grade Winners
First Grade – Miwa D. from Conyngham
Second Grade – Adalyn M. from Russell
Third Grade – Jackson G. from Hazleton
Fourth Grade – Jo’Niya K. from Breinigsville
Fifth Grade – Gavin D. from Kempton
Middle School Category Winners
Sixth Grade – Harlan H. from Brookville
Seventh Grade – Fiona K. from Quakertown
Eighth Grade – Ruby J. from McAlisterville
High School Category Winners
Tiny but Mighty Winner – Mackenzie H., 11th grade student from Cambridge Springs
Bigger the Better Winner – Avery N., 11th grade student from Mechanicsburg
Watch Me Move Winner – Jayneida V., 11th grade student from Effort
Family Category Winners
K-2 Family/Group Winner – Reyes L. from Washington
3-5 Family/Group Winners – Elizabeth and Lela H. from Brookville
6-8 Family/Group Winners – Wor’Niyah D., Alaeha G. and A’Lahnie S. from Philadelphia
HS Family/Group Winners – Chelyce W. from Kittanning, Jake B. from Marcus Hook, Nikolas J. from Pittsburgh, Shanyrah F. from Folcroft, and Keyhan F. from Folcroft
Outside of the annual challenge, Reach Cyber students receive a STEM kit every year with building and creative supplies that are incorporated into everyday lessons. For more information about Reach Cyber, visit reachcyber.org.
