STEAM for Your Students

The Sheldon SOLID Project (Science of Learning Instrument Design) is a STEAM-based program that challenges students to design and create their own musical instruments by following the steps of the engineering cycle.

SOLID is designed to get students excited about creative problem solving by combining the creativity of the arts with STEM disciplines. This program provides the opportunity for students to receive instruction from St. Louis Science Center and Sheldon staff, where they will learn about the connected worlds of sound, science and art.

SOLID is generously underwritten by the Boeing Company and in collaboration with the St. Louis Science Center.

View our 19-20 SOLID Instrument Gallery! Thanks to all of the teachers and students who participated!

Bring SOLID To Your School

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Need more information on how to bring SOLID into your classroom? Check out our shareable flier.
Attend STEAM Teacher PD
The Sheldon is proud to host a free VIRTUAL Professional Development Workshop, open to all teachers on July 29 from 1-4 p.m.

Register by e-mailing Katelyn Galenski, SOLID Program Manager and you will receive a link to the Zoom workshop.

The Summer SOLID Challenge!

How to Enter

Start your summer off with The Summer SOLID Challenge for a chance to win a Family and Friends Membership to the St. Louis Science Center or 4 tickets to an upcoming Sheldon performance!

Download the parent and student SOLID Project guides below, and help your student create an instrument out of recycled materials that produces sound through vibration, is able to change in pitch and volume, and is visually artistic.

Submit your entry by posting on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #MySOLIDProject, along with a short description of the instrument, the student’s first name and their grade level.

Entries could be featured on The Sheldon’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and two winners will be selected based on the functionality, creativity and artistry of their instrument. Prizes include a St. Louis Science Center membership, and four tickets to an upcoming Sheldon performance.

All students, kindergarten through high school, are eligible.

Entries must be received by July 31, 2021.
The SOLID Challenge Parent Guide

Download
The SOLID Challenge Student Guide

Media Gallery

SOLID Instrument Build, St. Margaret’s of Scotland
SOLID Instrument Showcase
SOLID Instrument Showcase
SOLID Instrument Build, St. Margaret’s of Scotland
SOLID Teacher Workshop
Recycled Instrument Materials

How to Get Started with SOLID

Step 1

Bring your students to The Sheldon to see “Good Vibrations: The Science of Sound” or request a St. Louis Science Center educator to visit your school for free.
Step 2

Implement SOLID curriculum provided by The Sheldon into your classroom.

Our teacher handbooks provide the tools needed for teachers to lead their students in an innovative set of classroom activities. Over the course of 3 to 6 class periods, students will work separately or in teams as they follow the steps of the engineering cycle to create a musical instrument that can change pitch and volume. Teaching artists are available to assist in your classroom.
Step 3

Submit your students’ instruments to be displayed at The Sheldon for the spring reception, generally held in late April.

STEAM for Your Students

The Summer SOLID Challenge!

Media Gallery

How to Get Started with SOLID

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