Alden Terrace School Fifth Graders Create Computer Models Based on ‘Cosmos’
Alden Terrace School’s fifth grade scholars in Mrs. Cartwright's and Mrs. Anesta’s classes recently brought literature, science and technology together through an imaginative project inspired by “George’s Secret Key to the Universe” by Lucy and Stephen Hawking. After reading the novel, students were challenged to design their own version of “Cosmos,” the powerful supercomputer featured in the story. Blending creativity with scientific thinking, each student created a model of a unique computer with household items and wrote about its capabilities, ranging from teleportation and space exploration to protecting ecosystems, improving air quality, and supporting people with medical needs such as diabetes.
Using details from the text as a foundation, students expanded on the story’s concepts with their own innovative ideas. The project encouraged them to think like engineers and authors, integrating literacy skills with STEM concepts while developing creative problem-solving and forward-thinking design skills.