Innovate, Create & Discover paves the way for STEM Contetst

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Catholic News Agency

ā€œI was having so much fun that I forgot the judges were in the room!ā€Ā  This was one of many positive comments made by students ranging in grades 1st through 12th grade at the inaugural ā€œInnovate, Create and Discoverā€ contest held on Saturday, February 21, 2015, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.Ā  The contest replaces the Archdiocesan Science Fair with a new approach to active learning and application of science, technology, engineering and mathematic skills.Ā  ā€œInnovate, Create and Discoverā€ offers a unique challenge to students in teams of four designed to foster creative and critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, teamwork, project managment, perserverance and self-confidence.
ā€œInnovate, Create and Discoverā€ is part of the Catholic Arts and Academic Competition (C.A.A.C.)Ā  The Department of Catholic Schools designed the program to incorporate four pillars:Ā  Catholic Identity, Arts and Humaities, Academic Achievement, and Competition Community.Ā  Together, these four pillars inspire active learning opportunities to Catholic School students across San Antonio and the surrounding communities.

A total of 17 schools participated in the contest with almost 100 students ready to take on the divisional task challenges.Ā  Using a variety of common materials, students were challenged to build bridges, towers and launching devices.Ā  The energy was high and teamwork abound.Ā  Contest winners were as follows: Division A (Elementary)- 1st Place: St. John Berchmans; 2nd Place: St. James-Seguin; 3rd Place: St. Luke.Ā  Division B (Middle School)-1st Place:St. Monica; 2nd Place: St. John Bosco; 3rd Place: St. Pius X.Ā  Divison C (High School)-1st Place: St. John Paul II; 2nd Place: Antonian HS; 3rd Place: The Atonement.