Author: Kevin Fess

The 8th-grade students in Mr. Fess’ Northstars STEM class are preparing for the future. These students recently completed the ICT Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course, which culminated in an Industry Certification Exam. Through two rounds of testing, 100% of NorthStars 8th graders were able to become certified in Artificial Intelligence. Throughout the course, students studied the history of A.I., its current applications in robotics, and the predicted future of this ever-changing industry. Armed with a new set of skills, these students will return to their robotics curriculum with a new perspective on the potential for smart robots in the near … Read More

Robotics students in Mr. Fess’ Northstars STEM class created their first remote controlled robots this week. Students designed, built and coded robots to navigate an obstacle course in the robotics arena. Groups raced to navigate the course in the fastest time. These students recently took a break from robotics to complete an industry certification course in Artificial Intelligence. While they enjoyed their A.I. unit, Mr. Fess says his students are glad to be back to the hands-on projects of their robotics curriculum. Now that they’ve mastered programming with remote controls, these students will begin conquering even greater robotics challenges as … Read More

Eighth-grade Northstars students in Mr. Fess’ STEM class have been working hard designing, constructing, and coding their own racecars! The students built and coded their designs using VEX robotics. This is one of many robotics projects these students will complete this year. The students have been studying gear ratios, coding, and mechanical construction prior to this exercise. Each racer was required to have an increased gear ratio for increased speed and a push-to-start button. A tournament was held to determine the fastest car. These students will now take a short break from robotics to complete a certification course in Artificial … Read More

Sixth grade students in Mr. Fess’ Northstars STEM class designed and built water turbines as part of their unit on Hydropower. These students are studying various types of alternative energy sources in this course while also learning about the Engineering, Science, and Math necessary to harness the energy. Students chose to design and build using 3D modeling software or with physical materials to generate real electricity using running water. Each project, virtual or physical, contains water wheels acting as a turbine and a generator. Students who made physical models then used multimeters to measure the electricity being generated. Students who … Read More

Seventh-grade Northstars students in Mr. Fess’ STEM class dissected sheep brains as part of their “Medical Detectives” curriculum. In this unit, students learned the parts of the brain as well as its functions. While dissecting the sheep brain, students identified the different parts of the brain and marked them with labels. #buildafuture #careertechicaleducation

Northport K-8 students in Mr. Fess’ 6th grade Northstars STEM classes designed and constructed “Hobby Organizers” this week. These students have studied the engineering design process and careers in the field of Engineering. In small groups, they worked to solve a storage problem related to one of their own hobbies. Some designed and 3D printed models while others constructed their organizers using traditional construction methods. #buildafuture #careertechicaleducation

Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from middle and high schools across St. Lucie Public Schools recently participated in the CTE Student Showcase. Seventh graders Terriana Monfleury and Samira Moss from Mr. Fess’ Northstars STEM class took home 1st place in the Middle School 3D Printing and Welding division. They 3D designed, printed, and presented the “Handrill”, a combination of a hammer and a drill. Congratulations ladies!

Northport K-8 students in Mr. Fess’ eighth grade STEM class continue to work on their robotics and problem-solving skills. This week, students designed, coded, and built their own solutions to the problem of getting a small block through a “minefield” into a bin at the other end. Their varied solutions are a testament to the creativity and engineering skills these students are developing.

Seventh-grade Northstars students in Mr. Fess’ STEM class performed experiments to lower their blood pressure and pulse rates. These students are currently studying vital signs as part of their Medical Detectives unit.

Northport K-8 sixth-grade students in Mr. Fess’ Northstars STEM class performed electrolysis to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen. These students are in the middle of their hydrogen energy unit in their Energy & the Environment curriculum. The students are learning how hydrogen can be used to power different devices. Students will soon create hydrogen-powered prototypes of their own.

Seventh-grade Northstars in Mr. Fess’ STEM class constructed hot air balloons out of tissue paper, glue sticks, and wire. This project is one of many in their Flight & Space curriculum. The balloons are one stop on the “History of Flight & Space” unit the students are completing.