Reflections on the STEM program

These are the entries I wrote after each day of the program. They include my personal thoughts about what went well, what to work on for next time, and an overall review.

Reflection #1: Technology (4/16/24)

What went well?

We got attendance down successfully. The students seemed to really enjoy the activity using the sticker cutter and Lazer box. They were also all interacting with one another and making chit chat. It was a high energy class.

What to work on for next time?

There was miscommunication between Brooklyn and I during the activity because we did not go over the plan beforehand nor did we talk about how we would make it work. This led to chaos, because the students were confused on which machine they were supposed to use. Students thought that they needed to use both, and majority of the students were lined up for the Lazer box, creating an exceedingly long lineup. The lineup limited the number of students that I could help at a time, and as a result, we were not able to get everyone to use the machine. Lastly, though hosting many students at once was a pleasure, it was overwhelming and even those who were not signed up came, so the situation was messy and chaotic. For next time, Brooklyn and I decided to go over the plan so we both know exactly what our roles would be, and to restrict the attendance list to prevent the overpopulation.

Conclusion

The day was chaotic and disorganized, but we still managed to excite and intrigue the students, which was what we needed to fuel this program. If we realize and work on our mistakes for next time, I have no doubt that it will become more successful.

Reflection #2: Engineering (4/18/24)

What went well?

Today was better, starting with attendance. This time, we made sure that we only accepted the students that signed up to be in our program. The paper roller coasters were a fun and challenging activity for the students and was a good opportunity for them to bond with one another. As a bonus, I was able to fit in the kids from the first day that did not get the chance to use the Lazer box during the building time.

What to work on for next time?

I think one major issue that we need to improve upon is the method of drawing in the student’s attention. From the start, Brooklyn and I have been more forceful/aggressive when trying to get their attention, by shouting or clapping loudly. Mr. Csuka recommended we try to approach them more gently and develop a technique that does not scare the students. One other point would be instructions. The instructions at the beginning of the class were clearer than our first day, but they were not at its best either. Students were confused on what the objective was, and what rules applied to the challenge, such as if they were allowed to use more tape.

Conclusion

Overall, the day improved from last time, especially with settling down the chaos. We still need to pinpoint weaknesses in our delivery, introduction, and getting their attention.

Reflection #3: Science (4/23/24)

What went well?

I decided to take Mr. Csuka’s advice to be gentler when addressing the students. I lowered my voice and waited for the students to turn their attention onto me before I spoke. I worked around the classroom as quickly as I could and made sure to make quick adjustments to the plan when it was necessary, like when the students were confused about what to do with the distilled water, I moved the bottles to the front and helped them when they finished their rocket design. The students were high energy again, which really boosted the mood of the class.

What to work on for next time?

First, time management was a weakness today. Warning the kids that we were running out of time would have been a better idea rather than to wait for everybody to finish designing their rockets. The poor time management caused students to not be able to try assessing their rocket again or did not leave them with enough time to design a better prototype. For next time, we need to remember to give them a head’s up that we are getting closer to the end of class. Another issue that the time caused was that only a small percentage of the class completed the reflection questions on the worksheet nor drew the graph of the rocket. The instructions were a bit unclear again like last time. Students were not aware that they needed to create the rocket so that the capsule would be accessible, so they had to restart. A minor mistake that we ran into was that we forgot to bring scissors for the students to cut the paper. We figured out a solution around halfway through, by asking Mrs. Myles to lend us a box, but it was not as ideal as having them prepared would be.

Conclusion

The students were the most focused today compared to all the other days so far. They were building, engaging, and working hard. We still made mistakes, but what sets them apart from when we first started is that we made great progress, and I am so proud of us for making it this far.

Reflection #4: Math (4/25/24)

What went well?

Today was amazing because I got the student’s attention close to perfect. I was not too loud nor too soft and spoke with confidence and a clear, firm tone. I waited patiently at the front, making eye contact with the table that was still talking. Surprisingly, they quieted each other down. This was the first time I experienced the art of attention getting from students, so it felt like a great accomplishment. My teaching portion was nicely set up, and the worksheets were ready to go on time.

What to work on for next time?

The game involving math that I had planned and ran through fell apart. The goal was for the students to each solve the question in their heads and move silently to the place they solved to be correct, but instead they all followed one other to the corner and moved as a herd. I also underestimated their mathematical capabilities and made the questions too easy for them to keep interest or see as a challenge. This meant I needed to improvise during the game. However, it also backfired. As I did not prepare an answer key for the questions that I produced on the spot, I made mistakes in my calculations for my own questions. It confused the students or made them irritated, so now I remember to always have a backup plan and answer key ready to go. At certain times during the improvised game, the class got noisy and chaotic, which was hard to settle down.

Conclusion

The last day of the STEM program was bittersweet. I was sad to see the energetic, kind students leave, but relieved at the same time as I did not have to worry anymore. We got helpful feedback from the students as well. What I took away from this program was learning how to get students attention and speaking confidently in a classroom.

June 5th, 2023

As I make a few last adjustments and add presentation, my passion project is slowly coming to a finish.

Firstly, I sewed a pouch from a cotton x polyester fabric piece, with a zipper too. This pouch will provide the handwarmers insulation, to keep them warm for longer.

Of course, I finished the glow in the dark logo by going over it again with some glow in the dark paint.

May 27th, 2023

I have made some progress on my jacket and handwarmers since the last check in. I also found a way enhance the handwarmers, and that is by adding essential oil perfumes (homemade of course) to them so they smell nice.

These are the perfumes I made with a few drops of peppermint and chamomile essential oils and water.

To make the logo stand out, I sewed on some white ribbon on the edges, and painted on the rough draft logo, even though it is very faint and hard to see.

May 22nd, 2023

Welcome back to my homemade handwarmers! In this check in, I am pleased to say that I have bought ingredients to make sodium acetate from scratch- using some baking soda(acts as a base) and vinegar(acts as acetic acid). Then, I looked a video how to make sodium acetate, for reference. I tested it out, and after 2 times, I successfully made sodium acetate trihydrate crystals, as well as the supersaturated solution.

May 17, 2023

Hello! This is my first check in. I am aware that I started my passion project very late, as the original was supposed to be due earlier. However, I was struggling with deciding on what my passion project would be, and there had been many changes and modifications from my original plan. Currently, my finalized idea is to create handwarmers, that are made out of sodium acetate, and design a jacket to display them in. I bought the materials for my jacket.

I managed to sew some black cloth on my thrifted jacket, where a glow in the dark fire logo will go.