Students collaborate to tackle Urban Bear Conflicts

It's hard to go a day in the news cycle without hearing about Urban Bear Conflicts in Colorado. 3rd Graders at STEM lab teamed up with Boulder County Parks and Rec, Boulder Bear Coalition, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to create solutions for mitigating and preventing urban bear conflicts. 3rd Graders worked collaboratively in groups to define the problem, brainstorm solution ideas, prototype and engineer their solution, and then pitch to a panel of experts. Collaboration is one of the top ten 21st Century Skills needed in our workforce. By practicing being an effective team member, children develop confidence in their own abilities, learn to manage problem solving skills with one another, and they understand how to work towards a common goal. In this case, we might all be a little safer from bear encounters in our neighborhoods and hikes thanks to these innovative thinkers.

This story exemplifies our ELEVATE Focus Area: 21st Century Learners. Sharing stories of students who collaborate, think critically, problem-solve and are digitally literate to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.