1st Grade

updated 11/20/2025

1st Grade GATE- Fall 2025 Highlights

This fall, our newest 1st grade GATE students began their journey as young engineers, creators and problem solvers. We spent the first few weeks exploring what it means to be in GATE, building classroom community and learning how we use STEAM to think, design and work together. 

Fall STEAM Challenges

Students kicked off the year with the MakerSpace Name Challenge, where they used assorted materials to build the letters of their names. They explored how shape, balance and structure work together while designing a creative and sturdy name display.

Next, students took on the Tallest Tower Challenge. Working against a time limit and with a specific set of materials, teams collaborated to build the tallest free standing tower possible. Students experimented with different building strategies, discovering the importance of a strong base and careful planning.

Our final fall challenge was the Bridge for Beany Challenge, where students were introduced to Beany the Beanbag — a tiny classroom friend who needed help crossing from one side of the table to the other. Students had to design and construct a bridge sturdy enough to hold Beany using only craft sticks, cups and tape. This challenge encouraged problem solving, creativity and lots of joyful testing as students worked to keep Beany safe.

Haunted House Engineering Project

In October, students completed their first blueprinting experience. They sketched detailed blueprints of their own Haunted Houses, labeled the materials they planned to use and then brought their visions to life. Their final Haunted House builds included a combination of cutouts, geometric shapes, tape, paper bags, recycled materials and lots of artistic creativity. It was a wonderful introduction to the engineering design process.

NJCGTP Annual STEAM Challenge: Do You Want to Build a Snowman

We are now putting the finishing touches on our entries for the New Jersey Consortium for Gifted and Talented Programs annual STEAM Challenge, Do You Want to Build a Snowman. This challenge invites students to design and build their own three dimensional snow person or snow animal while following a thoughtful set of engineering and design criteria.

Students learned that their snow person needed to stand at least ten inches tall and be part of a display that fits within specific height, width and depth guidelines. They also discovered the importance of sustainability in design, as at least half of their project must be created from recycled or repurposed materials. As students planned their displays, they carefully considered scale, balance, stability and creative use of materials.

The heart of the challenge focuses on character. Each student selected one of the Seven Pillars of Character and created a snow person that demonstrates that trait. Some chose Caring, imagining a snow person helping a friend. Others explored Courage, Responsibility or Respect, finding thoughtful ways to express these qualities through their designs. It has been inspiring to see their ideas come to life.

As students finalize their work, I can confidently say that their first competition pieces look amazing. I cannot wait to share the finished products with everyone. After Thanksgiving, students will begin writing scripts and recording their videos for the judges. In their videos, they will explain their design process, the materials they used and how their snow person demonstrates the character trait they selected.  Below is the Google Form that must be completed in order for students to submit their videos for judging for the NJCGTP.