LSU Lab School First Graders Celebrate National STEM Day with a Creative Chain Reaction for a Cause

On National STEM Day, LSU Lab School first graders combined the excitement of science, engineering, and giving back to the community. Their celebration included a thrilling chain reaction event using cereal boxes, which they later donated to a local food pantry. This hands-on, fun-filled activity introduced young students to physics concepts while teaching the importance of community service. 

STEM Day Chain Reaction: Where Learning Meets Fun 
The highlight of National STEM Day for these young learners was building a chain reaction—an engaging activity that ties into principles of physics and engineering. Lining up  many  cereal boxes in a carefully designed pattern, the first graders created a “domino effect” chain reaction that allowed them to see cause and effect in action. As the first box was tipped, students watched with excitement as the rest of the boxes followed in a tumbling cascade, sparking curiosity and laughter along the way. 
This activity was not only thrilling for the students but also served as a valuable introduction to several key STEM principles: 

• Cause and Effect: By observing how one box impacted the others, students learned about cause and effect, a fundamental concept in science. 
• Energy Transfer: Students experienced how potential energy in a stationary box converts to kinetic energy as it moves and impacts the next box.
• Teamwork and Problem-Solving: Working in small groups, students had to communicate, strategize, and collaborate to create a stable chain that could withstand the initial push, reinforcing essential social and cognitive skills. 

Learning Through Doing: The Benefits of STEM Activities for Young Students 
STEM education is especially impactful for young learners when it’s hands-on. By incorporating movement and experimentation, this activity kept the first graders engaged and allowed them to explore scientific ideas in a way that felt like play. Through activities like these, students begin to develop an early interest in science and engineering, setting a foundation for lifelong curiosity and learning. 
The chain reaction event also encouraged creativity and problem-solving, as students learned through trial and error. They made adjustments, adapted their patterns, and celebrated each time they achieved a successful run, fostering resilience and perseverance. 

Michelle Blanchard, 1st grade teacher who organized the event, said, “We teach our children that one act of kindness can lead to many more. A single event can set off a chain reaction of similar events. We used the model of the domino effect as a concrete representation of the potential energy at the start of the chain and related it to the potential in each of us to spread kindness. 
Instead of using dominoes, we used boxes of cereal. Inspired by schools across the country, we created a domino run, observed the chain reaction, and will finally donate the cereal to the local Shephard’s Market Food Pantry. First graders can make an impact by combining their boxes in a carefully spaced pattern to set off the mechanical effect, in turn, making an impact to provide food for local families. 
Last year, our total donation was 137 boxes. This year, our donation is 158 boxes! We thank our families for their generosity and support of special STEM projects.” 

Giving Back: Donating to the Local Food Pantry 
After the chain reaction fun, the first graders gathered the cereal boxes for an even greater purpose. All the boxes used in the experiment were donated to a local food pantry, reinforcing the value of giving back to the community. This act of kindness turned the STEM Day celebration into a service project, teaching students that they can make a positive difference in the lives of others. 
By combining STEM learning with charitable giving, LSU Lab School’s National STEM Day event showed students how their actions—both big and small—can impact the community. This hands-on approach to community service helps students understand the importance of empathy and generosity, making a lasting impression beyond the classroom. 

Why National STEM Day Matters 
National STEM Day is celebrated across the country to encourage students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. For young children, STEM activities help them develop critical thinking skills, enhance creativity, and build confidence in problem-solving. At LSU Lab School, STEM Day is more than a learning opportunity—it’s a chance to inspire curiosity and excitement about the world around them. 
This celebration aligns with LSU Lab School’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional academics. By blending STEM learning with real-world applications, the school nurtures future thinkers, innovators, and leaders who are prepared to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. 

Looking Forward: Continuing STEM Exploration 
The success of National STEM Day at LSU Lab School serves as a reminder of the power of interactive learning. The first graders’ enthusiasm for their chain reaction project is likely to carry over into future STEM explorations. By cultivating curiosity and providing opportunities for hands-on experimentation, LSU Lab School is paving the way for a new generation of students who will approach science and engineering with excitement and a sense of possibility. 
LSU Lab School’s National STEM Day celebration was a memorable event that perfectly balanced learning and service. The first graders not only explored fundamental STEM concepts through their chain reaction activity but also learned the value of community service by donating cereal to those in need. This unique combination of education and empathy illustrates the Lab School’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, compassionate, and curious young minds. 
National STEM Day is a special time for LSU Lab School students to dive into the world of science and engineering, and the first graders’ cereal box chain reaction is a shining example of how learning can be fun, engaging, and impactful. Here’s to many more years of exciting STEM activities and opportunities to make a difference!