創意工程師 Steam (Stem) 俱樂部

Class is appropriate for all CEFR levels.

Where are my engineer friends? Come join us as we complete a new STEAM challenge each week. It's time to engage in hands-on, active lessons that encourage creative thinking, problem-solving, and perseverance. 

Students will learn about the engineering design process and how it is used to solve everyday problems. Each lesson will begin with a mini-lesson to provide background knowledge on the topic. For example- if we are designing a building that will withstand the force of an earthquake, we will learn a bit about earthquakes before and/or during our build challenge time.

Supplies will be listed in the classroom (and course description) each week, but supplies are always "suggested supplies". Students are welcome to use any supplies they choose. Learners that plan to attend frequently may wish to create a supply bin of materials. Time to raid the recycle bin! Toilet paper tubes, empty plastic containers, cardboard, etc. are excellent supplies. Oh, and tape! Keep plenty of tape on hand! Masking, duck, clear, all sorts of tape.



Week of March 24- It's time for an egg drop parachute building challenge! Learners will need a plastic Easter Egg (or if you are extra brave, a hard-boiled one!) and any materials they think will work well to create a parachute and egg holder that will protect their egg from a fall. Learners can use any materials they wish. Suggestions include tissues, foam, craft sticks, straws, tape, index cards, plastic bag, string, etc.

Week of March 31- It's a day filled with fidgeting!! We'll start by creating a simple top toy using a circle cut out (provided) and a toothpick or small round dowel. Then learners will be encouraged to use their creativity to design a fidget toy. They can use any supplies they wish.

Week of April 7- It's April Makerspace Day!! A day for you to decide what special day in April you'd like to celebrate. Will it be creating a mask or cape for National Superhero Day, creating a unicorn for National Unicorn Day, inventing a tool to make No Housework Day easier, creating an animal for Zoo Lovers Day, Designing a movable bike for Bicycle day, inventing a tool to help pick up Easter eggs, celebrating Earth Day by building something with recyclable items or making an award for Children's Book Day. It's your choice!

Week of April 14- Earth Day!! Time to talk a bit about the importance of clean water. Then we'll create an elevated water tower, complete with a way to send water to the nearby city. I recommend having towels and a large bin on hand for testing. Necessary materials include plastic/paper cup, craft sticks, straws, tape, etc. 

Week of April 21- April Showers Bring May Flowers....I hope! After learning a bit about the water cycle we'll design an umbrella to keep our duck dry. Bonus if you have a rubber duck! If not, I'll provide a paper one in the classroom. Then, quick it's rained so much that it's flooding so we have to complete a second challenge and design a raft to save our duck. Materials include a large bin, towels, and whatever other supplies they think will work well for the umbrella and raft.

Week of April 24- May the Fourth Be With You! Yep, it's time for our Star Wars Challenge. This year, we'll see if you can create a model of a Star Wars Droid or Ship. You can use any materials you want.

Week of May 5- Bucket Tower Challenge. Can you design and build a load bearing tower that includes a suspended container? Materials include craft sticks, straws, tape, string and a small paper or plastic cup.

Week of May 12- OMG!! I love this challenge!! Can you build a tent large enough for you to sit in using just paper? You'll want lots of paper- any kind, newspaper, construction paper or copy paper, and plenty of tape. Don't worry, if you don't have a TON of paper you can make a smaller tent model for a doll instead.

Week of May 19- This week will be all about flight. First, I'll show you how to make hoop gliders and index paper helicopters. Then, you'll have some time to experiment with paper airplanes. Learners will need paper, index cards, straws, scissors, and tape.

Week of May 26: Let's investigate sound by creating a straw whistle, a harmonica and any additional instrument of choice. Learners will need 4-6 disposable straws, a piece of paper, 2 craft sticks, 2 rubber bands and a piece of paper and whatever supplies they want for other instruments. ***PLEASE CHECK THE SCHEDULE. I HAVE A FEW SCHEDULE CONFLICTS THIS WEEK AND NOT ALL CLASS SECTIONS ARE RUNNING.***

Week of June 2- This week you'll become structural engineers by designing and building treehouse models. Learners can use any supplies they wish.

Week of June 9- Bubble wand fun! We'll start by creating our own bubble solution from dish soap and water. Then we'll use household items (or items from your recycle bin) to create bubble wands. Please note this class will be messy! If you are able to this outside, awesome! Otherwise, learners may want to test their bubble wands in the bathroom.

Week of June 16- Let's make and experiment with a hover craft. Learners will need paper plates (a variety of sizes is fun!), several straws, tape (duct tape preferred), 2-3 balloons and scissors.

That will be the last class before summer break!!!