Wantagh El Engineers Have a Stroke of Genius

Posted Date: 12/22/2023

Wantagh Elementary School fifth graders became the designers for a game they are likely familiar with from their family vacations. In the collaborative physical education and STEAM class project, students created a miniature golf course, then invited their families to come play.

Each fifth grade class was responsible for designing a few holes. They had to build the obstacles using supplies in their STEAM classroom or the gym. Popular construction materials included cardboard and Legos. The physical education department supplied the greens. 

STEAM teacher Kaitlin Humphrey said that every class had a theme for its holes. Sections of the course were devoted to dad jokes, Legos, sports and Wantagh landmarks. In physical education classes, teachers James Brostowski and Melissa Edwards reviewed rules and golf etiquette, as well as the different types of clubs. 

After school on April 18, fifth graders were invited to come check out the 16-hole mini-golf course in the gymnasium, and were welcome to bring their parents and siblings. The student-made course received good reviews for creativity and for being not too easy, but not too hard. The following day, it was open to Wantagh Elementary’s kindergarten through fourth graders to play during physical education classes.