28 April 2013

Fairy Firelight


Science Fun




Four Scientists from Science Fun for Everyone! worked with us during the weekend of April 19th, 20th, and 21st to create Fairy Firelight, a STEM adventure for K thru 3rd Grade Girl Scouts. During the three sessions (Discover, Connect, and Take Action) the girls were surrounded by joy and delight as they learned how to learn as well as expand their knowledge of science.

In the "Discover" session, the girls learned about light and renewable energy, as they explored phosphorescence (true glow in the dark) then created their own glow in the dark keepsake, after they had learned the scientific reason for the illumination.

For the "Connect" sessions, they learned about chemiluminescence, as they built a fairy using a glow stick . . . learning that the glow stick's illumination resulted from molecules vibrating with energy until running out of energy.

For the "Take action" session, they learned about thermal energy, as they built sky lanterns.

Many thanks to the four scientists that created such a wonderful experience for over 200 girls!  
Super SLIMY Science!
HALF Day AM, 9:30AM – 12:30PM
SLIMY Sci_Half Day AMGet MESSY while Mixing and Mashing Molecules… If your Jr. Scientist likes erupting experiments, then this is the camp for them!  From Albert Einstein to Sir Isaac Newton, we'll explore the experiments and discoveries that made some our founding scientists famous!  From Cool Chemists to Phenomenal Physicists, they are sure to have a super-scientific time during this chemical concocting camp!

05 April 2013

Student Designer How-To Kit


Retrieved 5 April 2013 comment from chrisflanagan 
Student Experience Lab Director

How about students design for school?!We even put together a Student Designer How-To Kit so anyone can do it. PDF here:http://businessinnovationfactory.com/files/pdf/StudentsDesignForSchoolHo...

Great story. We've been using design-thinking and participatory design to give students the opportunity to re-think their own educational experiences. Much at the higher-ed level, but last year we applied it to the younger set.
I truly believe we need to do more to develop the capabilities of students to become innovators. And I know design can improve the quality of experience for students. More important though, students themselves should play an active role in education innovation. If we do that, we democratize our educational system.