I just discovered gofundme.com and I think it is a great opportunity to expand the limits of the free after school library programs I have started for girls to explore engineering. Please check it out at gofundme.com/engineer_females
I am a graduate student in Engineering and Technology
Education. I am passionate about encouraging young girls to pursue interests in
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). One way to encourage
interest in STEM, is to expose young girls to hands-on activities. These
activities create a positive experience for girls to get them motivated about
design and creativity.
I have been
volunteering at rural and suburban libraries planning and teaching small,
after school, hands-on programs that are free to local grade school students. I
have been putting the programs and activities together with my own money but
that limits the amount of materials and activities these students can
participate in. These programs foster creative problem solving by allowing
children the opportunity to learn and apply engineering and technology concepts
that they may not normally be exposed to at home or at school.
I have recently been
asked by some of my program students if they can make better prototypes of
their designs. The students use engineering notebooks (which I purchase at the
Dollar Tree and give to the students for free) to define problems, think
critically, and design solutions. The students then build their solutions out
of cardboard, tin cans, egg crates, and other found materials. However, I have
recently been asked if the kids can make their designs on a 3D printer. I do
have an extensive background in computer aided design so it is possible with
the help of funding. Through the use of donations, I can buy a 3D Printer and
materials. After the library program, the students leave with added
knowledge of technology and engineering. The programs are designed to be fun,
engaging, and motivational. If there is enough donations, I would like to also
purchase wearable items that can allow the students to identify themselves, and
display to others, that they enjoy Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Math.
“The only source of
knowledge is experience.” –Albert Einstein. Please help me create the best
possible experience for the children in my after school library programs. My
hope is travel to several libraries across the state and soon, other states.
