STEM Outings

     Today, Marlon took our little guys to the Oklahoma Aquarium.  And on that note, I thought I'd share several 'out and about' photos related to STEM.  These guys have high mileage : )
  

Oklahoma Aquarium

Science Museum Oklahoma

Rock n Roll Exhibit at the Science Museum Oklahoma

Tulsa Life Flight at Camp Bandage

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Home Depot Kids Workshop

Excavating Fossils in Zoorassic Park at Tulsa Zoo

Circuits: Scribbling Machines

We are having hands-on fun with circuits as I move through a free online Tinkering Fundamentals course by Exploratorium.  The Scribbling Machine activity was a huge hit with Matthew and Malcolm!!

NGSS Science Standard: 4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.

School Grade Level: 3-5   

First, we taped a motor and battery onto the bottom of a recyclable container.  Next, we attached markers along its sides.

After connecting the wires to the battery, the scribbling machine gyrated about the floor.  Very cool!

To offset the motor and alter the pattern of markings, we stuck weight to the end of the motor, such as a rubber eraser block or a glue melt stick.  We tinkered around adding and taking away components and observing performance of the machine.  

Malcolm's all smiles, this is his favorite tinkering activity thus far!  

Update: I came across a similar activity on this website: www.Science Buddies.org.  Here, you will find step by step instructions.

Making Circuit Boards

      This week we tinkered around with simple circuits!  Check out our homemade circuit board.

Age/Grade Level: Any age for tinkering with adult supervision.  (Ideal for grades 3-5)  

NGSS Science Standard: 4-PS3-4. Apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine a device that converts energy from one form to another.


     Some light soldering was involved.  I was a little bit intimidated by that.  Once I anchored down, watched some tutorials, and got my bearings we were fine.  By the way, special thanks to great friends Raye and Anthony for lending out their soldering tools!

     Please ignore the burn marks on the wood blocks and the glittery glue.  Ha! It ain't pretty, but we got 'er done  : )

     This activity can be found as part of a free online course titled Tinkering Fundamentals: A Constructionist Approach to STEM Learning by Exploratorium.

   
     As a participant in the course, I am learning how to facilitate STEM activities in such a way that is conducive to critical thinking and discovery through trial and error.  During this activity, all three of my children (and I) seemed to fumble and tinker around until we reached an acceptable outcome.  Whether it was building the boards or getting the light bulb to come on, I didn't lay out all the answers and steps for them.  For me, this was the most beneficial part of the activity.

     Overall, I think we are developing a curiosity about circuits.  Stay tuned, our next activity is another "tinkering" project using a circuit!



I welcome comments and advice.  If you like, feel free to share.
#Tinkeringstudio. #Tinkeringfundamentals

Cell Anatomy Learning Resource

Between camps, Independence Day, and other summertime enjoyment, I'm all about staying up on school year content.  You might be thinking, sounds like a barrel o' fun, Thea.  While it may not be "fun," the cell is very dynamic.  The more you know, the more you're in awe.

On my quest for cell anatomy learning resources, I found a gem of a site named Ask a Biologist published by Arizona State University.

I was grateful to find crossword puzzles, flashcards, interactives, mp3 audios, and quizzes.  Importantly, it benefited my middle schooler to read explanations regarding the function of and relationship between cellular parts.  This site aides memory as well as understanding of content.  I sent an email of positive feedback, thanking for this resource.  Please, check it out. 

http://askabiologist.asu.edu/sites/default/files/CellViewer/CellViewer.swf