Research in Hawaii

This summer, the district’s Science Supervisor, Candace Penrod, spent time conducting research in Hawaii. She joined a STEM research project with Utah State University, led by Dr. Colby Tofel-Grehl and funded by the National Science Foundation.

Candace led the K-2 section of the project. Her students explored solids and liquids, looking at how different types of trash found on Molokai’s shorelines relate to the properties of matter. They also worked with Squishy Circuits (playdough that can carry an electrical current) to create animals with parts that blink on and off.

Students in grades 3-6 learned about electricity and took part in a project where they made fabric bracelets with LED lights. They used Adafruit microprocessors (tiny electronic control boards) and coding to automate the lights.

Candace is excited to bring this experience back to the Salt Lake City School District. The Science Department, in collaboration with the Salt Lake Education Foundation, will pilot a similar program in the 2024-2025 school year.