Marshmallows, Clay Pots, Filters, and some Old Fashioned Algebra
By J'reyesha Brannon
Over at Montavilla Community Center, our group of volunteers has been actively trying to engage teens in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through a series of low tech sustainability science projects. Low tech and sustainable in a way that given limited means, students will be able to use science for self sufficiency. We also threw in marshmallow trusses since two of our core volunteers have civil engineering backgrounds, meaning we're a tad biased towards edible structural activities...
Teaching math is not always the most attractive and easy to market subject for teens/kids, as it's often a source of insecurity and is rarely a favorite subject in school. Using science projects that are hands on in nature is how our Montavilla Community Center volunteers are trying to draw students in. Our hope is to transition from science projects to a concurrent project/tutoring session where students can bring their homework, as well as practice their math skills using Flying University materials.
Marshmallow Trusses
Utilizing marshmallows and small stir straws, we taught some basic geometry and three-dimensional modeling to create structures. Key concepts: zero force members, joints, triangles and forensic engineering (trial/error design build).
Over at Montavilla Community Center, our group of volunteers has been actively trying to engage teens in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through a series of low tech sustainability science projects. Low tech and sustainable in a way that given limited means, students will be able to use science for self sufficiency. We also threw in marshmallow trusses since two of our core volunteers have civil engineering backgrounds, meaning we're a tad biased towards edible structural activities...
Teaching math is not always the most attractive and easy to market subject for teens/kids, as it's often a source of insecurity and is rarely a favorite subject in school. Using science projects that are hands on in nature is how our Montavilla Community Center volunteers are trying to draw students in. Our hope is to transition from science projects to a concurrent project/tutoring session where students can bring their homework, as well as practice their math skills using Flying University materials.
Marshmallow Trusses
Utilizing marshmallows and small stir straws, we taught some basic geometry and three-dimensional modeling to create structures. Key concepts: zero force members, joints, triangles and forensic engineering (trial/error design build).
Pot in Pot Refrigeration
Mohammed Bah Abba's award winning 'Zeer' or Clay pot-in-pot refrigeration. Utilizing terra cotta clay pots to create a low tech cooling unit for produce. Key concepts: temperature, evaporation, cooling, humidity, and heat transfer
Slow Sand Filtration
Utilizing sand, gravel, 2-liter bottles, coffee filters, and "dirty" water (glitter, kool-aid, paper, sprinkles, etc.) to create slow sand filters that effectively remove particles and reduce turbidity. Key concepts: turbidity, filtration, potable water, and flow rate
Outside of our science projects, we also tutored some algebra, one on one with a student. Working through algebra helped our group realize the need for an algebra text book for the Flying University project. There's always work to be done! : - )
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