S.T.T.E.M., Science, TORAH, Technology, Engineering and Math, is a twist on the popular educational initiative. The goal is to generate an interest in the sciences and applied skills that will remain with the child throughout their education and into their careers. At each session there will also be a short story about the weekly portion read that week in the Torah, the Bible.
Each session is one hour long and, during that hour, we will be working on a project, investigating something new, or building something useful, all while learning about the world around us. During the course of five weeks, we will touch on all the components of S.T.E.M.
Here is detail about each week’s project or experiment (subject to change):
Week 1: Explosions
Attendees will have the opportunity to see the Mentos and Coke trick live before their eyes, then experiment with other substances and monitor the results. In addition, students will also have the opportunity to create Alka-Seltzer rockets, decorating their own and “launching” them into space.
If time allows, we may also demonstrate baking soda and vinegar reactions.
Week 2: Bubbles
How big a bubble can you make?
A special bubble solution will be prepared that will allow attendees to make bubbles big enough to put themselves in! Children will also, with the help of a parent/guardian, construct large bubble blowing contraptions they can take home and use later.
If time allows, we will make frozen bubbles using dry ice and bubble solution.
Week 3: Draw with Circuits
Electroplating is the method of coating a material in metal ,then connecting it to a circuit. In this session, participants will make a drawing of their own and then use basic equipment and household supplies to electroplate it, and then connect it to a circuit.
Week 4: Electric play dough
This is not the play dough you grew up with! By tweaking a few of the ingredients in normal play dough, we’re able to get play dough to conduct electricity! Make something fun, then hook it up to a power source and see it light up!
Week 5: Colors and edible math
Do double stuffed Oreos really have double the cream? Are the colors in a bag of M&Ms evenly distributed? How many M&Ms are in each bag? All the answers and more can be found in this session.
If time allows, we will learn how colors mix, both with light and with paint.
Details
STTEM will be held at Beth Israel Malden’s Glaser Auditorium (some experiments may take place outside, weather permitting) on Sundays from October 27 – November 24 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
This program is designed for children in grades 2 – 4. All children must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian; any necessary safety equipment will be provided.
Cost is $80 for all five weeks with pre-registration, $20 per class with on-site registration. Family discounts are available. Space is limited, register today!
Click here to send an email for more information or to register.
About the instructor:
Josh Vogel is an epidemiologist at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health where he focuses on the science of how diseases spread throughout populations. He is a Malden resident who enjoys giving back to the community and ensuring the success of the next generation. He enjoys reading science, coming up with creative solutions to problems, and striving for the answer to every question.