Page 42 - June 2020 - final proof - The Castle Pines Connection

42 CastlePinesConnection.com
STEM beyond the AA classroom
Andrew Buchold installs his newest contraption, a “safe” to keep his baseball memorabilia secure.
By Julie Matuszewski: photo courtesy of Buchold family
American Academy (AA) engineering instructor Melissa Sitzmann loves to see her students using their free time to work on something that interests them – especially if they are expanding their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) knowledge. AA seventh grade Castle Pines student Andrew Buchold is a student whose interest in STEM expands beyond the classroom.
While currently enrolled in science, Buchold continues to explore his interest in STEM engineering on his own time creating new and cool robots. Buchold’s home robotic kit has allowed him to create an infrared sensor remote controlled car, which Buchold coded himself.
Buchold built his most recent creation in between remote learning sessions. Sitzmann was thrilled to see Buchold creating a new robotic invention on his own, even though the contraption was to keep his sibling out of his room. Buchold decided it was best not to drill any holes into his bedroom door, so he turned the contraption in to a safe.
Buchold said he plans to use the safe for his autographed baseballs, signed hall of fame card by inductee Richard “Goose” Gossage and his regional all-star team necklace. He has not decided what his next creation will be but is looking forward to the challenge.
BRE National Elementary
Honor Society celebrates
healthcare workers
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; courtesy photos
The newly-formed National Elementary Honor Society at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE), for its rst community service project, reached out to each BRE class and asked for students to create a video featuring letters or pictures to show their thanks and appreciation for frontline healthcare workers. Students across all classes and even some teachers got
to work and put together a four-minute video that was then shared on the school’s social media as well as emailed out to BRE families to share with healthcare workers. To watch
the video, visit https://www.facebook. com/search/top/?q=buffalo%20ridge%20 elementary&epa=SEARCH_BOX.