ST. A TODAY -- MAY 2017 ST A TODAY--MAY 2017 FINISHED COPY | Page 4

Science Everywhere
S.T.E.M. CHALLENGE
By Luke Sommer
The third trimester STEM Challenge was a huge success. The challenge was to build a
freestanding structure out of newspaper, tape, and twine. The structure had to have three sides, an
entry, and a roof. It sounded easy, but to the contestants’ dismay, it was not. The boys’ strategy
was to build a small, low-to-the-ground structure for someone to army-crawl into. The very short
walls needed some reinforcing, but they almost worked; unfortunately, the roof, which was
unsecured and held aloft only by criss-crossed twine, collapsed, and the whole structure was too
short to shimmy inside. The girls made their structure similar to a tent, with triangular supports that
allowed a person to sit inside without falling. However, it had a very small roof, which although
technically a roof, would not have offered much protection. Nevertheless, the girls built the most
successful structure that day, and everyone had a blast at the last STEM Challenge under the
direction of Luke Sommer and his dad.
ANIMAL OF THE MONTH
By Kathy Griese
This month, I am showcasing the Japanese Macaque, otherwise known as the snow
monkey. This monkey can be found in the mountains of all but one island in Japan. They
are omnivores, meaning that they will eat both meat and vegetables. They also eat fungi,
ferns, insects, and some fruits. They can eat as many as 213 different varieties of
plants. The males live approximately 28 years, and the females live 32 years. Females
typically stay in the trees and males typically stay on the ground. When cold, these
monkeys rely on their coat to keep them warm. They also go into hot springs. The adult
macaque’s coat color is brown, grey, or a yellow-brown. Their coat keeps them warm in the
water. Baby macaques are born with dark brown hair. Next time you go to the zoo, look for
the Japanese macaque.
SCIENCE FACTOIDS TO AMAZE AND AMUSE YOUR FRIENDS
By Luke Sommer
1) The chemical symbol for gold is AU. This comes from the Latin word aurum, meaning “gold.”
2) Giant clams (Tridacna gigas) are the largest living bivalve mollusks. They usually live for 100 . .
. years or more.
3) Perhaps best known for its bloom smelling like rotting meat, the Rafflesia Arnoldii,
. produces the largest individual flower in the world.
4) Oenology is the science and study of wine and winemaking.
5) A group of ferrets is called a “business”.
6) The “scales” on a turtle’s shell are called scutes. Scutes are made of keratin (like our fingernails)
and protect the bony plates of the shell from injury.
7) The Earth spins at 1,040 mph but it travels through space at an incredible 67,000 mph.
8) J is the only letter that doesn’t appear on the Periodic Table of Elements.
9) Atoms measure from 0.1 to 0.5 nanometers (nm) across.
10) The largest fish in the world is the whale shark, which can grow to over 40 feet in length.