Students in Diane Burke’s STEM classes at Campbellton Elementary recently turned science into fun with a hands-on bubble wand project that brought together both sixth-graders and kindergarteners.

The sixth-grade students used Tinkercad to design and 3D print their own bubble wands, putting new technology funded through a Casey’s grant to creative use. Thanks to the grant, each STEM class at Campbellton Elementary will have the opportunity to complete at least one 3D printing project this school year.

To extend the learning experience, kindergarten students joined their sixth-grade peers to design and build their own bubble wands using pipe cleaners and beads. Working side by side, the older students helped guide the younger learners through the design process before heading outdoors to test their creations.

“The pipe cleaner bubble wands made a lot of bubbles, but I do believe the 3D-printed bubble wands made bigger bubbles,” Burke said.

The collaborative activity blended engineering, creativity, and teamwork – giving students a fun and memorable way to explore how design impacts results.

Pictures from the Campbellton Elementary STEM bubble wand project are below.