K-M 2nd graders learn about engineering, construction

Kasson-Mantorville second graders got a chance to learn about engineering and construction last week as staff from Benchmark, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Rochester Public Works, WHKS and the high school robotics team, the “Otternauts,” spent the day with the students. The day long events were part of K-M’s LEAP Day series. The program, now in its fourth year, is designed to give elementary students face-to-face exposure with professionals in different careers.

Throughout the day, the students had a chance to participate in various career exploration activities through hands-on lessons given by local experts in engineering and construction.

They learned about how storm sewers work from individuals from Rochester Public Works. After listening to several of the workers explain what they did, the students got a chance to help construct their own storm sewer system.

Constructing bridges was a hands-on exercise after listening to employees of the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

And for many students, working with Benchmark employees on testing out the rockets they made after learning about rocket propulsion was a highlight of the day.

McNeilus Steel demonstrated with videos how their machines work in a manufacturing setting and showing products that these machines can make.

The Kasson-Mantorville LEAP Day Experience is a partnership between the K-M Public Schools and local industry partners that focuses on early career awareness, which results in greater career stability, satisfaction, and success.

“Our LEAP Days allow our KoMet learners to explore a different career field each year as they move through our system at Kasson-Mantorville Elementary School,” said Ashley Kaplan, director of Student and Staff Support Systems.

Ideally, early awareness helps students to consider how they want to build their educational path, she said. When a student can see himself or herself in this path, their interest increases and leads to understanding as to the skills needed for different types of work. This type of career exploration is valuable to students even in early grades.

The Engineering and Construction event was the first “LEAP Day’’ of five scheduled at Kasson-Mantorville Elementary this school year. Third-grade students are scheduled to learn about careers in fine arts on February 16. Kindergarten students will learn about “helping” careers on March 8. First grade students will engage in earth science/geography experiences on April 15, and fourth-grade students will learn about health science careers on May 7.