Water is the word of the month for STEM.  We began our introductions by practicing the first steps in the scientific process, using ice cubes and our best observational skills.  Conversations evolved into discussing the water cycle and changing states of matter.  Last week, we reviewed the steps that we will use in engineering challenges.  Students designed, created and tested flotation devices for my miniature Ninja to sail the ocean and protect the world.  Different grade levels had different levels of difficulty, and I was so very pleased to see that students cheered their peers during the testing process, offering high fives and words of encouragement.   Today, we began creating and using models to study phenomena and test hypotheses.  We examined what excessive rainfall does to different kinds of surfaces on earth, using rock, sand and soil.  The younger ones thoroughly enjoyed the sensory experience along with the scientific process.