Club STEM práctico | ¡Nuevos conceptos semanalmente!

Hello Learners and grownups!

We will tackle STEM challenges while learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in this ongoing session. Students will have the freedom to create, collaborate, explore, and share with peers. We'll use commonly available household items as our design inspiration. The list of required materials will be sent out five days before the start of the session, so be prepared and ready to have a good time!


✨Class Structure✨

✔️ I'll announce the day's challenge at the start of class. We'll have a conversation using open-ended questions. For example, we may explore Newton's Three Laws of Motion and work through the concepts using real-life examples.
✔️ Then we'll work on a hands-on project. We will take everything we learned in the first half of the class to develop our project. How, for instance, does Newton's Second Law of Motion affect the performance of a bottle car when we consider its force, mass, and acceleration?
✔️ Finally, we present our idea to the group and discuss the lessons we've learned today.


✨Prerequisites for Learners✨ 

✔️ Must be able to use scissors and follow simple instructions. 
✔️ Some classes require the use of a hot glue gun; please review the safety procedures prior to class.
✔️ If we have young learners or learners who are still developing their skills in following instructions, parents must be present to assist.


✨Important note about this class✨

I will post a list of the materials at least 5 days before each class; they should all be common household items, many of which are recyclable. To have the most fun in class, please bring ALL of the items on the list! If the original items are not available, I often offer alternatives. Because this is a hands-on class, you must come prepared with all the necessary items. I understand that sometimes we are unable to fully prepare, and that is fine; simply send me a message ahead of time so that I can offer alternative options.


✨My teaching style✨

I firmly believe that given the right environment and guidance, children can fully comprehend math and science concepts as long as they get the chance to conceptualize them through concrete, real-life experiences. Students will face engineering challenges throughout the course; I will always offer assistance, but most of the time I will encourage students to solve problems collaboratively or on their own with guided questions. I am a relaxed teacher who enjoys connecting with her students. I always strive to make classes both fun and educational!


✨Weekly Challenge✨

6/06 - 3D Maze (STEM design process)
6/13 - Marshmallow House (earthquake-proof buildings)
6/20 - Bottle Car (Newton's Three Laws of Motion)
6/27 - Rollercoaster (potential energy & kinetic energy)
7/04 - Marble Machine (Gravity)
7/11 - Catapult (Gravity & Motion)
7/18 - Sail Boat (Gravity center & buoyancy)
7/25 - Robotic Arm (intro to robotics)
8/01 - Paddle Boat (energy & buoyancy)
8/08 - Ball Launcher (Laws of thermodynamics)
8/15 - Table Hockey ( game design)
8/22 - Rocket Launcher (air pressure)
8/29 - Pull-back Car (potential and kinetic energy)
9/05 - Tube Telephone (How does sound travel?)
9/12 - Tissue Box Guitar (sound frequency)
9/19 - Build An Eye Model (How do our eyes Work?)
9/26 - Build A Working Lung (How do we breathe?)
10/3 - No class
10/10 - No class
10/17 - No class
10/24 - Build a Simple Pulley (How to move heavy objects?)
10/31 - Shaduf (How does a lever work?)
11/07 - Balanced Wind Chime (What is the center of mass?)
11/14 - Cranking Elevator (simple machine)
11/21 - Thanksgiving break, no class

Future projects will be updated as I receive feedback from my students.


✨FAQs✨

1. What if I don't have everything on the material list?
Everything on the list is interchangeable, so substitute something as close as possible. When it comes to your design, you, as an engineer, have the final say. Shortage of materials is another real-world issue that engineers face. Let's see if you can solve your engineering problem creatively!

2. Will there be a lot of talking? What if I just want to build quietly and observe?
I understand that some people enjoy talking while others do not. Social interaction can be enjoyable, but it is not required. I generally encourage everyone to share their thoughts, and some kids simply need a little more time to warm up. If you don't want to interact with others, please reach out before class and I will keep an eye on it.


Please contact me if you have any questions! I can’t wait to see you in class!