Mansfield SDA School

Christina Dotson

Articles by Christina Dotson

  • Where Will STEM Take Us Next?

    Where Will STEM Take Us Next?

    Over the years, the MSDA School robotics team has won second and first place awards at our regional tournaments multiple times, earning us invitations to championships in California and Florida. Last year’s team, Beefy Cargo, won the Champion’s Award at their regional competition and placed first in Robot Design at the championship in Apopka, FL.…

    Christina Dotson
  • The Physics of Cedar Point

    The Physics of Cedar Point

    Before our trip to Cedar Point, students learned about the physics of rides–from rollers coasters to bumper cars to tilt-a-whirls. We studied centripetal motion, g forces, potential and kinetic energy, and other fun concepts. They even built marble roller coasters. Later, at the park, a student at the top of the pirate ship ride called out, “I feel…

    Christina Dotson
  • Math in Disguise

    Math in Disguise

    At first glance, it only looks like art (awesome art, but still, just art). Yet hidden behind those works of art you’ll find mathematics concepts like angle measurement and ratios. Peruse our gallery and enjoy!    

    Christina Dotson
  • DNA is Delicious!

    DNA is Delicious!

    Modeling DNA with Twizzlers and marshmallows was tasty. Learning about Punnett squares with bunny rabbits was adorable. But the kids’ favorite activity was definitely discovering heredity while creating wacky potato heads!       

    Christina Dotson
  • We’re On TV!

    We’re On TV!

    Remember last year’s FIRST Lego League team and the awesome invention they created as their Innovation Project? Then remember how COVID struck and canceled their competition three days before they were going to share their idea with the world (well, with the judges, but still…they worked so hard…).  Thanks to the PBS show NewsDepth, the…

    Christina Dotson
  • Weather Science Fair

    Weather Science Fair

    There are so many fun and worthwhile labs, experiments, and activities a class can do when learning about weather. During our unit on weather, we did plenty of whole-class, hands-on learning to discover and explore important weather concepts. Yet to take things a step further, each student also chose a particular area of weather to learn…

    Christina Dotson
  • STEAM Night

    STEAM Night

    Remember when we used to be allowed to hold events? Well, to help us relish times gone by and look forward to the day when we can return to normal, here is a look back at our STEAM Night last February, 2020, when families enjoyed hands-on STEAM activities together and admired some of our students’…

    Christina Dotson
  • Geology Rocks!

    Geology Rocks!

    Obviously, science in the “S” in STEM. So any time you’re doing science, you’re doing STEM, right? Well…maybe. But in my heart (and this is a subject very close to my heart), STEM learning is about more that just “doing” science, technology, engineering, or math. It is a way of thinking, learning, and discovering that…

    Christina Dotson
  • Lower Grade STEM Class 2020

    Lower Grade STEM Class 2020

    Most years our lower grade STEM class takes part in programs such as FIRST Lego League Jr. and Invention Convention. After all our events were canceled last year, and it looked like this year would be the same story, we switched gears and are enjoying a variety of different STEM activities. Here are some examples.…

    Christina Dotson
  • The Cross-Walker

    The Cross-Walker

    Every year in FIRST Lego League, the robotics team must solve a theme-based problem with an innovative solution. This year’s theme, City Shaper, challenged kids to research and solve a problem related to buildings and public places. Read on to learn, in the kids’ own words, about the team’s chosen problem along with photos of…

    Christina Dotson