White Pine's STEM Portfolio

This week, our 4th and 5th grade students had an exciting opportunity to participate in STEM with a Friend in our brand-new MakerSpace! With the guidance of the EcosySTEM Ambassadors , students explored how engineers think outside the box to solve real-world problems—specifically, how to bring light into dark buildings to help communities in need. Through hands-on challenges and teamwork, our young innovators experimented with creative solutions, developing a deeper understanding of how science, technology, engineering, and math can make a difference in the world. A huge thank you to the EcosySTEM Ambassadors for leading this engaging experience and to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for their generous grant that made it all possible! We are so excited to continue fostering curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving in our MakerSpace!

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of White Pine’s very own MakerSpace —a hands-on, creative hub where students can explore, build, and innovate! This new space is designed to spark curiosity and encourage problem-solving through STEM activities, engineering challenges, coding, robotics, and more. From crafting and tinkering to experimenting with circuits and 3D printing, our MakerSpace gives students the opportunity to bring their ideas to life. Whether they’re designing solutions to real-world problems or simply exploring their creativity, this is a place where learning happens through doing. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality, especially Mrs. Heather Smith! She put in countless hours to clean it up, organize it, and make it ready for use. We can’t wait to see what our students create, discover, and invent in this exciting new space. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming MakerSpace projects and activities!

This past weekend, our White Pine MathCounts team traveled to Pocatello to put their problem-solving skills to the test against some of the best young mathematicians in the region. While we didn’t bring home any trophies, our students tackled challenging problems with determination, teamwork, and Cougar spirit! From fast-paced sprint rounds to intense team challenges, our students showed grit, perseverance, and a love for math that makes us so proud. They represented White Pine with excellence, supporting one another and growing their skills along the way. Great job to our MathCounts competitors—you make us proud! 🎉👏 Keep up the hard work, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!

Our first-graders at White Pine Charter Schools have been busy combining creativity and compassion in an amazing project! These young innovators made fifteen oh-so-adorable blankets for pediatric patients, and we couldn’t be more proud of their efforts. 🧡🌟🎓 What makes this project even more special is that our students used the engineering design process , or what we call the White Pine Design for Success , to ensure their blankets were just right. From determining the correct size to maximizing comfort, these first-graders carefully planned and executed their designs, showcasing impressive problem-solving skills for such young learners. Their dedication and thoughtfulness will bring warmth and comfort to children in need, and we are incredibly grateful for their support. This project is a beautiful example of how education can foster not only knowledge but also empathy and community involvement. A huge thank you to our amazing first-graders, their teachers, and everyone who hel...

We were excited to welcome Quinton Smith , an Idaho State University student and proud White Pine alum , back to campus today! Quinton spent time speaking with Mrs. Hall’s Computer Science class , sharing his journey from White Pine to ISU and offering valuable insights into the world of computer science. 🖥️💻 Quinton's visit provided students with a firsthand look at the opportunities that lie ahead in the field of technology. He discussed his experiences as a college student, the challenges and rewards of studying computer science, and how his time at White Pine prepared him for success in higher education. Students were inspired by Quinton’s story, engaging in thoughtful discussions and asking questions about the path to pursuing a career in technology. His visit served as a powerful reminder that with dedication and passion, our students can achieve great things. A big thank you to Quinton Smith for taking the time to give back to his alma mater and to Mrs. Hall for creatin...

We are thrilled to share that Mrs. Kaufman and her talented engineering students recently had the opportunity to attend a lunch and tour of the CEI Energy Systems Program , an event proudly sponsored by the National Society of Mechanical Engineers !  This incredible experience provided students with a firsthand look at cutting-edge energy systems and innovative engineering practices. The tour offered valuable insights into the real-world applications of their classroom learning, inspiring the next generation of engineers to think creatively and critically about the future of energy. Students also had the chance to engage with industry professionals, ask questions, and explore potential career paths in the field of mechanical and energy engineering. The lunch provided a perfect setting for networking and fostering connections that could shape their educational and professional journeys. A huge thank you to the National Society of Mechanical Engineers for sponsoring this enrichi...