Engineering and Math
Students started the day by trying to solve some math puzzles. Click here for the puzzles and here for the answers. They learned to think like mathematicians and use logic to solve complicated problems.
Students were asked to give their definition of engineering. Then they discussed what engineering is and the application of it in the real world.
Students then learned about the world of careers that awaits them is they choose to study engineering. To learn more about careers in engineering, visit the following websites:
Students were asked what they thought the definition of math was. They came up with many different ideas, some involving the use of specific kinds of numbers, other giving a more general description.
To learn about the history of math, visit the following website: What is Mathematics?
Students gave examples of careers that involve mathematics and learned that an understanding of math is essential for almost any job you could imagine. Find some examples here.
Students learned about stereotypes that keep many girls from pursuing STEM. They learned about the importance of having confidence and never letting others deter them from learning. They discussed the importance of female representation in history and the media. Students learned about the importance of movies in encouraging a new generation to pursue STEM.
Movies have the power to inspire and encourage us. They give us role models that we can look to when we are in tough situations.
Students then got to test their engineering skills as they were tasked with making a structure out of paper and tape that would support the weight of a dictionary. Their goal was to keep the book at least 1 foot in the air by using only those two materials. They were given the assignment without any instruction, and then afterwards, the students discussed what worked, what did not work, and why. They then learned about the shapes and techniques that engineers use in building structures.
After completing the paper structures activity, the girls began a new engineering test. Using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon, the girls had to design catapults that would launch a ping pong ball through a plastic ring. After trial and error, the girls were able to make working catapults. The goal of the project was to learn about the science behind a working catapult, as well as to practice creative problem solving. After testing the catapults, the girls recognized the problems and were able to fix them.
For more engineering and math activities, check out:
Students heard from Jamie Moy, a woman who works n marketing in Amgen. She told the story of how she fell in love with math and solving puzzles.
Students tested their engineering skills in the robot activity. In groups, they wrote out the instructions that they would give a robot to complete a simple task in the classroom. One person from each group then became the robot and had to try and complete a task based on instructions that another group designed.
