Outside Experts Boost Project Authenticity

TL;DR

Students engage with engineers from Blue Origin and Boeing to apply STEM concepts in solving the challenge of successfully landing a spacecraft on Mars.

Transcript

• So honestly, the change from mechanical engineering, the broader world view to materials, like this smaller, literally, atomic world view-- - The project that I'm working with my AP physics class, currently is guided by a need to know question for the students of, "How can we successfully put a lander on the surface of Mars?" During the final tas... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Students are motivated when their projects connect to real-world problems and they interact with professionals in the field.
• 🧑‍🎓 Real-world applications can help students understand the relevancy and impact of their STEM skills.
• 🧑‍🎓 Engineers can provide valuable guidance and feedback to students, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
• 😒 Effective communication skills, including the use of appropriate technical vocabulary, are essential for conveying ideas and understanding in the STEM field.
• 🖐️ Hands-on testing and experimentation play a crucial role in validating design choices and improving solutions.
• 🧑‍🏫 Teaching STEM subjects requires adaptation to the rapidly changing landscape of job opportunities and technological advancements.
• 🫵 Transitioning from a mechanical engineering background to materials engineering can provide a broader and deeper understanding of the atomic world view.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the project connect to real-world problems?

The project of landing a spacecraft on Mars offers a real-world problem that students must tackle, providing them with motivation and a tangible application for their STEM knowledge.

Q: How did the engineers from Blue Origin and Boeing contribute to the project?

The engineers observed and communicated with the students during their drop and qualification tests, asking insightful questions about their designs and providing guidance based on their own expertise.

Q: Why is it important for students to experience real-world applications of their STEM skills?

It allows students to see the relevancy of their learning and understand the impact of their skills in solving tangible problems, which can increase their motivation and engagement.

Q: What insights did the engineers gain from interacting with the students?

The engineers were impressed with the students' ability to explain their design choices using appropriate physics language, showcasing their understanding of the concepts and their effective communication skills.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Students work on a project focused on successfully landing a lander on Mars, guided by a need-to-know question.

• Engineers from Blue Origin and Boeing interact with students during their drop and qualification tests, providing guidance and asking relevant questions.

• The project's connection to real-world problems and interactions with professionals motivate students to apply their STEM knowledge and skills.