The Profound Impact of Strawbees

Dr. Chaundra Creekmur is the 4-12 Science and STEM Curriculum Coordinator for the Richmond County School System in Georgia, USA.

She writes below about the impact Strawbees has had on her district and why she decided to implement Strawbees further across Richmond County.

In the heart of Richmond County, a quiet revolution is taking place in the STEM Exploratory classes serving students in grades K-8. At the center of this transformation are Strawbees, innovative construction sets made of colorful straws and connectors that spark creativity and critical thinking among young learners.

It all began when Ms. Jordan, a dedicated STEM teacher at Richmond Elementary, attended a professional development workshop and discovered Strawbees.

Captivated by their potential, she decided to integrate them into her lesson plans. “I was amazed at how something so simple could completely change the way my students learn,” she recalled. Her first challenge was to have her fourth-grade class build a model bridge using Strawbees.

The students eagerly accepted the challenge. In a matter of days, the classroom buzzed with excitement as teams experimented with various designs, learning through trial and error.

Some bridges collapsed, while others withstood gentle pressure—each outcome teaching valuable lessons about engineering principles, balance, and teamwork. This hands-on project not only introduced basic engineering concepts but also encouraged collaboration and effective communication among peers.

News of Ms. Jordan’s innovative approach spread quickly throughout the district. Soon, teachers in other STEM Exploratory classes began incorporating Strawbees into their curricula.

In sixth grade, students used the materials to create sustainable energy models, designing wind turbines and solar-powered vehicles. Even the youngest learners in kindergarten and first grade enjoyed simple projects that introduced them to geometry, symmetry, and basic physics in a playful, engaging manner.

Parents and community members took notice as well. They observed children who were once shy and reluctant to speak now confidently leading group projects and sharing creative ideas. The integration of Strawbees had transformed the traditional classroom into a vibrant workshop where curiosity and ingenuity thrived.

Recognizing the success of this initiative, Richmond County School System administrators increased funding and support for the STEM Exploratory program.

They saw firsthand that Strawbees was not merely a fun tool but an effective educational resource that aligned with state STEM standards. As a result, additional classrooms across the county received Strawbees kits, ensuring that every student, from kindergarten through eighth grade, had the opportunity to explore science and engineering in a hands-on environment.

The impact of Strawbees in these classrooms is profound. Students are not simply building structures; they are building confidence, resilience, and a passion for innovation.

Each project teaches problem-solving skills, encourages creative thinking, and nurtures a collaborative spirit. Strawbees has become a symbol of the innovative approach embraced by Richmond County—a tool that transforms simple materials into a gateway for exploration and discovery.

In this way, Strawbees has evolved from a simple construction tool into a vital resource in the STEM Exploratory classes of Richmond County. It inspires a generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers, ensuring that the spark of curiosity lights the path to a brighter future for every student.