SMSD Students Shine at Project Lead The Way Senior Showcase

Shawnee Mission School District seniors recently demonstrated their creativity and engineering know-how at the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Senior Showcase, hosted by the KC STEM Alliance. This annual event celebrates students from across the region who take part in PLTW’s hands-on STEM curriculum. 

The showcase gave students the opportunity to present their capstone projects to local business partners, peers, and educators. These capstone projects are the result of months of teamwork, innovation, and problem solving from students in the district’s Engineering Signature Program’s Design and Development class. 

One project, developed by students Joshua MacKiewicz, Chloe Cook, and Aidan Adkins, focused on designing a high-performance, moisture-wicking athletic shirt. Their goal was to create a shirt that keeps athletes dry and comfortable. “We want to bring this into sports jerseys,” explained MacKiewicz. “It could help players feel better and perform better.”

Another team, made up of Lincoln King, Sam Benson, and Ben Eucker took on a NASA HUNCH challenge to design a tarp stake astronauts can easily anchor on the moon while wearing pressurized space suits. Using 3D printing, they tested a model that could be used in lunar missions. “This is revolutionary technology that we’ve been in charge of proving the viability of,” shared Benson. “It’s a really cool feeling.”

Tucker Eddy and partner Mia Deeble also worked on a NASA HUNCH project, developing a lunar landing leg and a system for delivering payloads to the moon’s surface. 

"We're very proud of this idea and were invited to Houston to show it off at the Johnson Space Center," shared Eddy. "Now we have the opportunity to share it here in Kansas City."

Engineering instructor Renee Chambers, emphasized how important these experiences are for students. "Talking to sponsors, client-connected advisors, and professionals gives students the reassurance that what they're doing is amazing. Our high school kids are doing amazing things."

In addition to the technical skills, these projects help students learn how to communicate, think critically, and work collaboratively. Students leave the program with the tools that will help them succeed in college, careers, and in life.

“The Signature Programs give students a head start,” expressed Eddy. “You’re not just learning from a book, you’re solving real problems and preparing for your future.”

To learn more about the Signature Programs in the SMSD click here.