Using hot glue, paper, popsicle sticks, and a lot of creativity, HHS Algebra 2 students designed and built bridges to be displayed and tested tonight at the STEAM Expo, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. 

These projects hadn’t been performed in a couple years at HHS, however, more hands-on engineering work has been encouraged from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). 

“The TEA went out to employers in the different areas in the state of Texas and asked how the public schools were performing. They heard back that many kids were coming out of high school not being able to think critically or use problem solving skills,” Algebra teacher Mrs. Kuhn said. “They would often give up in situations that needed those skills. The TEA realized that one thing they could do is to put critical thinking and engineering projects into the curriculum.”

These projects are proven to help students develop critical thinking and Kuhn wants to place emphasis on the process behind the project. 

“Did you use the engineering design steps? Did you have an idea? Did you use trial and error? Are you thinking things through?” Kuhn said, regarding what she is looking for in the projects. “The weight expectation does not keep you from getting an A. You are not going to fail because your bridge can’t hold enough weight.”