Collins Middle School Student Solve 2025: How to Build an Ice Skating Rink
CMS scholars solving real-world problems with guidance from industry professionals
SALEM (Dec. 18, 2025) – How does a middle school student follow up designing 3-dimensional surgical glasses for surgeons?
They build an ice rink, of course.
Consistent with the Salem Public School District Strategic Plan, Collins Middle School scholars joined more than 100 middle schools across the Bay State in Student Solve Friday, Dec. 12, in which students work with large companies and corporations to solve real world problems.
Organized and funded by the One8 Foundation, which provides schools with access to and support for learning programs that build the knowledge and skills students need to succeed, students in the classrooms of STEM educators Greg Beach and Kate Crane were tasked with how to construct an outdoor ice skating rink on top of tennis courts, modeled after the Harvard University Skate Rink at Science Center Plaza.
“Student Solve is an incredible opportunity for students to take the skills and knowledge they have gained in classes like Design/Modeling and Robotics to a new level,” said. Mr. Beach. “They follow the engineering design process, utilize decision matrices to determine the design that best meets the criteria, collaborate with each other to refine and present their ideas, and apply their creativity and critical thinking to solving a real-world problem.”
With online correspondence and guidance from Bob Andrews, a mechanical design engineer with ACA Consulting Engineers, Inc., scholars quickly brainstormed ideas then selected three using the following criteria:
- Cost awareness and efficiency (with a budget of $1,000,000)
- Preservation and how to protect the tennis courts
- Charm, similar to the Harvard Skate Rink model
- Safety
With Mr. Andrews’ guidance, students collectively decided on one idea and plan of action. Scholars were given the option of a working lunch (lunch in their classroom instead of the cafeteria) and skipping recess, many of whom took advantage.
Scholars uploaded their plans to the One8 portal, then presented plans to their classmates.
“By connecting students with mentors that are professionals in various STEM fields and elevating student voice in sharing their ideas, we intend to communicate that there is a world of possibilities and opportunities for young people and their future,” Mr. Beach added.
Last year’s task was to design surgical 3D glasses to fit surgeons comfortably and secure for long robotic surgical procedures.
Along with ACA Consulting Engineers, Inc., other sponsors of Student Solve 2025 included Alnylam, Medtronic, Philips, Sanofi, Verizon, and Siena Construction, each of which mentored a group of students through their tasks.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts, a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens through which we view our work. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff unconditionally serves each of our 4,000 students across 11 schools regardless of ability or language.
