WSNS PTA Stem To-Go BagsAs a follow-up to the WSNS Chain Reaction event, we have put together more information about the science behind the event and a kit to get you started building your own Chain Reaction Machine at home!
Background: Rube Goldberg Machines work because objects have stored energy (potential).
When you make an object move, that stored energy becomes active energy (kinetic). When one object comes into contact with another, that energy is transferred from one object to another. In Rube Goldberg Machines, this energy transfer happens over and over again, creating a chain reaction, until a goal is accomplished.
Introduction: Watch one or more of the following videos to see this idea in action:
Preparation: Lots of different materials can be used to create a chain reaction machine. Examples of materials include: paper towel tubes, disposable utensils/cups/plates, coffee tins, empty oatmeal canisters, popped balloons, rubber bands, toy cars, marbles, empty soda bottles, shoe boxes, dominoes, rulers, markers, books, and much more. Look around and see what you can find! Building the Machine: Every machine needs a goal – for instance Joseph’s Machines had hair washing and sandwich making goals. On Sesame Street, they wanted to move a bunch of balls. Come up with your own goal or if you’re having trouble, here’s a simple suggestion:
Reminder!
It is OK, NORMAL, and EXPECTED for engineers to fail the first time they try something. If you’re having trouble, think about what you can do to make your machine work better. This is an essential part of the engineering design process! If you keep trying and don’t give up, you will succeed. |
Local + National STEM ResourcesLocal STEM Programs
Parts and Crafts
All programming is for kids aged 7-13 from anywhere in the Boston metro area. Our focus is on creating, making, inventing, building, questioning, discovering, and being excellent to each other, ourselves, and the planet. Day, vacation week, summer programs and scholarships available. https://www.partsandcrafts.info/ Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach Our motivation comes from our fundamental belief that the skills we help students develop are closely connected to the transformation of our physical world into a world with improved excitement for learning, higher quality of life, better health, and greater environmental responsibility. Through workshops, professional developments, and outreach at both a local and international level, we strive to give the next generation of engineers the confidence and skills necessary to accomplish anything and everything they can set their minds to. https://outreach.tuftsceeo.org/ Somerville Public Schools Out of School Time Directory The SPS Out of School Time page contains links to vacation and summer programming, including STEM education such as Summer Lego Workshops. https://somerville.k12.ma.us/district-departments/out-school-time-programming Massachusetts Resources
STEM Nexus
Ages 14+ Hub for connecting to STEM partners and events in Massachusetts http://www.mass.edu/stem/ Massachusetts STEM Summit Ages 14+ Annual event that celebrates STEM in Massachusetts http://mass-stem-summit.org National Resources
Discover-E
Ages 5+ Activities searchable by type, topic, age and duration. http://www.discovere.org/ Maker Camp Project Paths Ages 6+ Printable activities, online community and events from MAKE magazine http://makercamp.com/project-paths/ iDTech Summer Camps Ages 6-18: STEM summer camps in various locations https://www.idtech.com/stem-summer-camps-resources/ NASA Students K-8 Current Opportunities Ages 5-13. Current STEM events and contests throughout the country https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/stu-k-8-current-opps.html National STEM Video Game Challenge Ages 10-18. Individual or group competition in video game design and development. http://stemchallenge.org/ Teenlife STEM Programs for Teens Ages 12-18 Comprehensive list of STEM summer camps https://www.teenlife.com/category/stem/ U.S. News STEM Solutions Ages 18+ Annual STEM Conference presented by U.S. News http://usnewsstemsolutions.com/ |
What is the STEM + Families Propelling Our World Program?
On March 29, the West Somerville Neighborhood School PTA will host an in-person event for WSNS families, to witness an Epic Chain Reaction Machine built by WSNS students. The event is designed to inspire students and families to become more interested in STEM, and more specifically in the skilled trades, and eventually consider careers in these fields. The event is part of National PTA’s STEM + Families Propelling Our World program.
National PTA’s STEM + Families Propelling Our World program is part of the association’s STEM + Families initiative. STEM + Families is a national effort to engage entire families, inspire interest and support student success in STEM with experiences at school, at home, in the community and through online learning. Since the launch of STEM + Families in 2016, over $500,000 in funding, products and materials has been awarded to PTAs across the country to host events for students and families that feature fun and meaningful hands-on STEM experiences. Huntington Ingalls Industries is a supporting sponsor of the initiative. For more information about the STEM + Families, visit PTA.org/STEM.
National PTA’s STEM + Families Propelling Our World program is part of the association’s STEM + Families initiative. STEM + Families is a national effort to engage entire families, inspire interest and support student success in STEM with experiences at school, at home, in the community and through online learning. Since the launch of STEM + Families in 2016, over $500,000 in funding, products and materials has been awarded to PTAs across the country to host events for students and families that feature fun and meaningful hands-on STEM experiences. Huntington Ingalls Industries is a supporting sponsor of the initiative. For more information about the STEM + Families, visit PTA.org/STEM.