Friday, October 9, 2026
Fourth graders at Martin Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District put their engineering skills to the test by building models of Native American shelters using natural materials.
The hands-on STEM activity complemented their social studies curriculum, which focuses on New York State history and geography. Students explored how Native Americans used natural resources in their environments to meet basic needs and build safe shelters.
Under the guidance of teacher Tiffany Joosten, students worked together to plan, design and construct shelters, considering the strength and stability of their structures while selecting materials and making improvements to their designs.
Once construction was complete, students tested their shelters' durability using a fan and water, putting their engineering skills and problem-solving abilities to the test.
The project encouraged creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking while helping students connect their STEM lessons to Native American history and culture.
“Students experienced how people in the past had to carefully observe their surroundings, use what nature provided and work together to solve real-life problems,” Joosten said. “Through this project, they made a meaningful connection between STEM skills and what they have learned about Native American cultures and history.”
