Week 5 Check In

Summary

This week's module delves into STEM's role in addressing community issues through problem-based design. Participants are encouraged to observe their own communities for STEM-related challenges, such as preventing soil erosion or improving accessibility for the disabled. The script prompts viewers to consider what they can change and how to make a difference, even before acquiring specific skills. It also guides them to reflect on the impact of these issues and to engage in discussions on Slack, identifying key problems and potential solutions to create an action plan.

Takeaways

• 📚 We are in week five and module three of the program, which consists of three modules with two weeks each.
• 🔬 The focus continues on STEM careers and the representation of STEM in our communities.
• 👀 Encouragement to observe one's own community for STEM-related issues and projects that address real-world problems.
• 💡 The concept of problem-based design is introduced, emphasizing the impact and solutions that projects can provide.
• 🤔 The importance of asking critical questions to identify and solve problems within the community is highlighted.
• 🌳 Examples of STEM problems include preventing soil erosion, growing food during floods, and improving access to clean water.
• 🦽 Mention of improving lives for those with disabilities and addressing environmental issues like oil spills.
• 🏗️ Projects can range from building earthquake-resistant structures to constructing solar ovens for cooking.
• 🍏 The script mentions the example of stopping apple oxidation to prevent browning, illustrating the diversity of STEM applications.
• 🤝 The call to action for participants to consider what they see in their community, what could be changed, and how they can make a difference.
• 📽️ Watching videos is suggested to see STEM community projects in action and to inspire participants to think about solving local STEM problems.
• 🗣️ Discussion on Slack is encouraged after watching the videos, to share thoughts on STEM-related issues in one's own community.
• 📝 Participants are asked to list at least three STEM-related problems or needs in their community and discuss their impact and importance.
• 🔍 The script prompts reflection on which single problem one feels most passionate about solving.
• 🛠️ The next activity involves creating an action plan for possible solutions to the identified community problems.
• 📖 Instructions to read and comment on others' posts on Slack, fostering a community of shared learning and problem-solving.

Q & A

What is the focus of week five and module three in the program?

The focus is on continuing the discussion about STEM careers and examining how STEM is integrated into our communities.

What is meant by 'problem-based design' in the context of STEM projects?

Problem-based design refers to the approach where projects are designed to address real-world problems, emphasizing the impact and solutions they can provide.

What are some examples of real-world problems that STEM projects might tackle?

Examples include preventing soil erosion, growing food during a flood, solving a city's design needs like access to clean water, improving the lives of those with disabilities, cleaning up oil spills, building earthquake-resistant structures, constructing solar ovens, and stopping apple oxidation.

What critical questions should one ask when identifying STEM-related problems in their community?

One should ask what they see, what could be changed, how they can make a difference, and if there are specific skills needed or if they can start before learning those skills.

How can observing one's own community help in identifying STEM-related issues?

By observing, one can identify local issues that require technological, engineering, or scientific solutions, which can lead to effective community projects.

What are the discussion questions participants are asked to answer after watching the videos?

Participants are asked about the type of community they live in, if they see STEM-related problems or needs, the impact of these problems, their importance, and which single problem they feel passionate about.

What is the purpose of discussing STEM-related issues in one's own community on Slack?

The purpose is to facilitate a collaborative discussion where participants can share their observations, ideas, and potential solutions for STEM-related problems in their communities.

What is the next activity after discussing the STEM-related issues in the community?

The next activity involves working on possible solutions to these problems by starting to create an action plan.

How should participants engage with others' posts on Slack after posting their answers?

Participants should read others' answers and comment on at least two other posts where they either have a common problem in their community or find any other problem interesting.

What is the overall goal of the activities and discussions in this module?

The goal is to encourage participants to identify STEM-related problems in their communities, discuss potential solutions, and develop action plans to make a difference.