Description
Water, Fire, Coding & Robotics
Project-Based Learning to develop a critical mind! Discover and explore your world through an analytical & critical thinking lens, probe fundamental questions such as, “Why does water extinguish fire? Does any liquid extinguish a fire? How can I use computer programming (coding) & robotics to create an experiment and learn why water puts out a fire?”
TEST your ideas! Get hands-on and experiment with computer programing using visual block coding languages, such as Scratch and PiBlock, and physical computing devices, such as Raspberry Pi, breadboard electronics, servo motors & gears. Each Experiment in Coding will continue to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills while building the necessary focus and organization to see projects through to completion while flexing your creativity as you implement the applications of water–Put out a FIRE with WATER, CODING & ROBOTICS!!
ANALYZE your results! Find the small moments of “ah-ha”! Apply your coding and physical computing knowledge to “debug” your Experiments in Coding. Brainstorm, manipulate variables, test, collect data and analyze results.
CREATE your own Code to program your STEAMwhiz laser-cut Robotic Arm! Using SW’s Problem Solving Methodology, your student(s) will be able to create their ultimate coded, robotic arm in their culminating ‘Show-What-You-Know’ Experiment with Coding: Fire! Fire! Challenge, using both high and low-tech tools such as 3D visualization, Scratch & PiBlock coding languages, robotic components/electronics, and more! While making keen observations, asking insightful questions, and learning exciting new things, your STEAMwhiz Kid will also be creating and developing their growth mindset with the time and space to fail & succeed!
What we are doing now!!
Session details
What is it? A 10-week guided science course + 2 weeks of additional fun
- A 1 hr. weekly, in-person lab for 10-weeks from Dec. 13th – March 18th, that will stimulate your children to use and develop their analytical and critical thinking skills
- Gather your Learning POD -or- join a group already in session and let STEAMwhiz do the rest!
- Min. 3 students/Max. 6 students
- 2 weeks are included for makeups and a class field trip! Field trip TBA
- No labs: Winter Recess Dec. 24-31, President’s Day Recess Feb. 21-25
Who is it for? Capital District Kids
- Ages 6-7
- After school and Homeschool
- The STEAMwhiz Lab is located in Guilderland, NY.
- Parents are welcome to stay and access private lab streaming from the comfort of their car live on their mobile device from our parking drive (or @home), or take a much-needed break, or run an errand or two.
Time Commitment? 1 hour each week for 12-weeks (with 2 integrated bonus/make-up labs)
- Select your day and time above
Course Goals & Objectives
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- Think critically about the world around you through the lens of Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Tech, with the incorporation of Art & Mathematics
- Work through STEAMwhiz’s problem-solving methodology practice
- Explore the input-output-store-process model of a computer and how computers help humans solve problems
- Learn fundamental programming constructs and practices in visual block coding languages
- Explore the relationship between hardware and software
- Develop prototypes that mirror existing innovative computing platforms, before ultimately designing and prototyping one for their own
Instructors? The STEAM Team
STEAM-Team or Dream Team? 😉 This lab is taught by STEAMwhiz’s lead educator Allie Pulecio. She is certified in K-6th education, published STEM education work in a peer-reviewed journal, and has over 15 years of classroom experience and curriculum development. The lab is overseen by STEAMwhiz’s scientist Dr. Javier Pulecio (aka Dr. J) who holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences has worked as a physicist at premier U.S. research institutions, as well as an engineer at fortune 500 companies, and authored over a dozen publications in top-tier journals. Together they are driven by their passion to empower students to develop their analytical and critical thinking, necessary to prepare them for the future.
COVID-19 Safety
At STEAMwhiz we are guided by the best-known science and follow the most conservative, best practices to ensure your children and our educators are safe.
- Sick/Symptomatic Guidelines – any child that shows any symptoms that are related to, been in contact with, or contracted COVID-19 within the last 14 days should stay home. Related symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, runny nose, shortness/difficulty breathing, cough, loss of taste or smell, nausea/vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea. If you have any doubt please contact us before bringing your child.
- Temperature checks – all people entering the lab will be required to have their temperature taken via a non-contact infrared thermometer.
- HVAC system – The STEAMwhiz lab has a dedicated air handler that is constantly filtering air 24hr a day and 7 days a week. The MERV filters being used are rated eleven or better and have been tested in our labs to remove particles down to 0.1 microns (similar to N95 masks).
- Laboratory Decontamination – On top of the air being cleansed 24/7, the STEAMwhiz lab is decontaminated after every session. All hard surfaces are wiped down using a bleach solution and the lab is exposed to UVC radiation nightly.
- Masks – Your child we be required to wear a mask within the STEAMwhiz lab.
- Social distancing – There will be a maximum of 6 children per session in the lab and social distancing protocols will be followed.
Billing
Reserve your spot today and pay later! The first billing cycle starts on Dec. 13th, 2021, and will be automatically billed each subsequent month on Jan. 13th and Feb. 13th.
