Mertz Middle School students have likely putted through 18 holes on family vacations, but this time they went behind the scenes as they designed a miniature golf course. The highly anticipated sixth grade project is a partnership between physical education and STEAM.

Students worked in teams in Kaitlin Smith’s STEAM classes to build the holes. They followed the engineering design process and had to formulate a plan before building. The supplies were mostly cardboard and duct tape, and communication and collaboration were essential for success. 

Each sixth grade class had a theme for its holes – decades, stores, theme parks and Wantagh locations. Every team was tasked with building a structure that the ball could interact with, and students could add electronic components. 

In physical education classes with James Framington, Kristen South and Christopher Watson, students learned the rules for mini golf and practiced putting techniques. Those skills were put into practice for the annual Mountain Open on April 17. The gymnasium was transformed into a mini-golf course, featuring all of the student-designed holes, and fifth graders and their family members came in to play a round.