FRMA eighth graders travel to NIU for STEM ReadFRMA eighth graders travel to NIU for STEM Read

On December 4th, 8th graders at FRMA traveled to NIU to participate in STEM Read. STEM Read field trips are organized by the NIU STEAM Center for P-20 engagement.

This year the book we read was “The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein” by Kiersten White. Students were engaged in STEM activities relating to the book. These included:

• Suturing (stitching) a banana peel
• Locating Victor Frankenstein on a map, given data, clues, and chart to fill out
• Code breaking and deciphering items from Victor Frankenstein’s Journal in order to answer 3 questions from Elizabeth.
• Using circuitry in order to bring their “monster” to life – students added LED lights to a paper “monster” and raced to have their created circuit tested by the judge.

After the breakout activities, students enjoyed lunch and heard the author speak about her experience in writing the novel. They were then very engaged in the Q & A time with the author and even stayed to have their copies of the novel autographed!

Attached are some pictures of the students as they participated in the activities.