Page 16 - TTWIBacktoSchool2025

STEM
Page 16 Electronic Edition: www .teachingtodaywi .com

Fondy Fire Robotics Team 2194 Goes Undefeated and Wins

Prestigious R2OC Offseason Event

School District of Fond du Lac Fire. “Winning R2OC
(Fondy Schools) without a single loss is a
The Fondy Fire Robotics Team 2194 deliv- testament to the students’
ered an outstanding performance at the Rock hard work, perseverance
River Offseason Competition (R2OC) on July and collaboration. And
26-27, 2025, going undefeated and claiming the Mathew’s scholarship win
championship title at one of the Midwest’s most highlights the academic
prestigious offseason events in the FIRST® and personal growth we
Robotics Competition (FRC) circuit. strive for as a team.”
The event, hosted in Rockford, Illinois, fea- Fondy Fire Robot-
tured top teams from across the region competing ics has built a strong
in a high-energy environment that celebrated reputation in the FRC
innovation, strategy and teamwork. Team 2194’s community since its
robot performed flawlessly throughout qualifi- founding in 2007. Known
cation and playoff rounds, earning them the top for its student-driven
spot and a perfect win record. approach and commitment
In addition to the team’s competitive to STEM excellence, the
success, Mathew Janke, a Fondy Fire senior, was team continues to inspire
honored with the R2OC Scholarship. The schol- future engineers, programmers and leaders.
arship recognizes students who exemplify the With sincere thanks to Fond du Lac
values of FIRST®, including leadership, com- schools, local businesses, mentors and families fonddulac.k12.wi.us
munity involvement and a passion for STEM for their continued support, Team 2194 is now
education. looking ahead to their next competition, TWIST,
“We’re incredibly proud of our students,” as they build on their momentum and prepare for
said Mark Holschuh, Head Mentor of Fondy the upcoming school year.

Marcy Students Grow Confidence Middle Schoolers Become Digital

Through STEM Arcade Project Storytellers Continued from Page 1

able: practicing grit, perseverance, starting over East High School, only has three sessions this Many students enter the camps with basic
and learning what to do when your first attempt summer, each session is packed tight with knowledge of video production, but Stillwell
fails. This project allows students to show their activities and experiential learning to give still works hard to make Discover the World
growth. They get to build, succeed, sometimes students the greatest sense of familiarity with of Video Production a rewarding experience
fail, redesign and repeat until they are satisfied video production tools possible with the time for all children enrolled. This summer, the
with a game they can share.” given. camp also provided field trips to studios and
Students design and plan all elements of “Mostly, they’re hands-on, working to places like the zoo, where students engaged
their arcade games including how points are with video cameras,” Nancy Stillwell, the in activities such as a video scavenger hunt, or
scored and what skills are used. Students are CTE teacher leading the class, said. “We WMTV, where students observed how videog-
each asked to bring a cardboard box to school. learned about tripods. We’re going to learn raphy is used in a professional setting.
Students use the boxes as well as other donated about microphones. We’re going to sit in the “What I really love is being able to help
classroom supplies to complete their arcade studio in a little bit. So they’re just getting these kids elevate their skills because, you
games. a . . . taste of what video production is all know, they’re all shooting video on their
Hamilton School District Greenwald says she can feel different about.” phones almost every day,” Stillwell remarked.
Fourth grade students at Marcy Elementary energy in her classroom when students are Students aren’t just getting the techni- “So if we can make even their little videos
School invited families and younger students to building their games. “There is a hum as the kids cal knowledge of video production; the class they do with their friends that much better,
join them for Arcade Day. The celebration was take supplies and add their creativity,” she says. also leads students through creative projects that’s so cool. And some of them are very tal-
the culmination of a month-long STEM project “When the kids are done and ready to share their that allow them to think artistically about the ented, and they’re bringing in lots and lots of
that involved designing and building their own games, multiply that feeling by one-hundred! stories they’re telling. Within these projects, experience.”
cardboard arcade games. The room vibrates with excitement when they the students are taught the basics of cinematic Importantly, the camp gives middle
STEM projects engage students in hands- know the first graders and their families are storytelling, from the beginning, middle, and school students a place to explore the realm
on learning by combining science, technology, coming to play their games. It’s all they talk end of a story to camera movement/angles to of video production that they would likely not
engineering and math. The projects are designed about leading up to Arcade Day!” sound effects, as well as how to develop a have otherwise. The kids are enthusiastically
to spark curiosity and problem solving skills. Many parents have shared that students story based on a prompt. taking advantage of that opportunity. Some
“STEM asks a lot of students,” explains continue building new arcade games at home On the second day of the session, they are enjoying the camp as a way to deepen their
Marcy Elementary School Teacher Julie Gre- when delivery boxes arrive. “I love to hear that,” were tasked with the creation of a silent film pre-existing passions.
enwald. “In math, for example, students can be says Greenwald. “I love to hear that students that needed to involve a baby doll prop. These
uncomfortable as they figure things out, as they keep building, exploring and growing their grit.” projects ensure not only that students are
try new strategies and as they build their confi- familiarized with the tools of video produc-
dence while learning new skills. Throughout the tion, but know how to employ them effectively www.madison.k12.wi.us
year, we do a variety of STEM challenges to help www.hamilton.k12.wi.us as well.
students get comfortable with being uncomfort-