STEMulate Change for At-Risk Youth

STEMulate® Change students from three Red Clay schools and three Police Athletic League (PAL) centers completed their STEM projects on June Bacon-Bercey and Archie Alexander with successful culmination events. Students from the Red Clay schools learned about June Bacon-Bercey, an African American Meteorologist. To demonstrate their learning, students gave presentations that involved a weather forecast aided by the creation of anemometers and barometers. These instruments were used to measure wind and air pressure to more accurately predict weather patterns. Students from the PAL centers learned about Archie Alexander, an African American Structural Engineer, by creating three different types of bridges that were tested to hold at least 5 lbs.

Currently, STEMulate® Change is operating in the Community Education Building in Wilmington, Delaware. Students attending the Summer 2016 session are learning about BB King, a famous Jazz musician, and will be creating their own poems and musical instruments. Students will present what they have learned at the end of the 4 week session and will perform their songs using DIY instruments. 

The STEMulate® Change Outreach Initiative just wrapped up the 2016 spring session at Austin D. Baltz Elementary School, Richardson Park Elementary School, and Stanton Middle School. Students learned about Yoky Matsuoka, a neuro-roboticist, by creating a robotic hand using straws, clay, tape, string, and rubber washers. Students dissected chicken wings to gain an understanding of how muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bone work together to create movement. When they were ready to present their robotic hand, students created a commercial to sell their prosthetic, complete with a jingle, product description, and other marketing components. Students were awarded for their attendance and curriculum/project completion with medals and certificates of participation.