February 2018
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Dr. Robert Thirsk - A Man of STEM
Meet Tara Fry
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CODE BREAKER - Brian Aspinall
Kitchen Science Science l Technology l Engineering l Mathematics
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OUR TEAM
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Reaching for the Stars Robert Thirsk; A Man of Stem - By Krista Malden
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Meet Tara Fry; Educator
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Education and Career Awareness -Ron MacLean
Editor-in-Chief Publisher Co-Publisher Editor/Chief Motivator IT Director
Dr. Gina Cherkowski Krista Malden Wayne Carley Tracy Beairsto Markus Salvador
Special thanks to: Robert Thirsk Brian Aspinall
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BYTES by Brian Aspinall Code Breaker
Wendy Hutchins STEM Learning Labs Team Tara Fry
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Science at Home: Soap Dish Slime
Ron MacLean
Copyright 2017 STEM Learning Lab Inc.
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Kitchen Science. Always Rethinking Science
by Wendy Hutchins
All Rights Reserved. To receive a free monthly electronic issue of STEM Education Today, please contact: stemedutoday@stemlearninglab.com All advertisements are paid for by the advertisers. For ad information or content use in this issue please contact the Email address stemedutoday@stemlearninglab.com
About STEM Education Today STEM Education Today is a free resource that provides a platform where everyone can become a part of an ever-growing network of global innovation and change! A note from our editor-in-chief, Dr. Gina Cherkowski How did STEM Education Today come to life? As a Social Justice STEM Educator and Innovator, I am on a mission to ensure all students have access to high quality STEM learning experiences so they are aptly prepared for our technology-driven, dynamic world. Parents, teachers and community members are seeking ideas, resources, and inspiration so that they too can join this empowering movement. STEM Education Today is helping to expand academic focus on STEM , STEAM, and Making and invites everyone to learn, share, and create.
How can YOU be involved? Teachers: Do you have a great story, or are you working on a really great STEM or STEAM project with your students? Let us know! Young Innovators: Are you a young innovator aged 6-24 or do you know of one? We want to hear from you! Companies: Sponsor a feature article! Have your company logo featured with one of our main articles (with the line “This page brought to you by [company name]�) in addition to an adjacent full- or half-page ad. Featured articles: - STEM in Sport - STEAM - Teacher Feature
- Young Innovators - Women in STEM
For all questions and submissions, please email our publisher, Krista Malden: krista@stemlearninglab.com
Reaching for the STARS -
Dr. Robert Thirsk
- a man of STEM By Krista Malden
Reaching for the stars is a dream for most, but became a literal reality not only once, but twice, for Dr. Robert Thirsk. Dr. Thirsk; Chancellor of the University of Calgary, Canadian astronaut, engineer and physician recently sat down with STEM Education Today Magazine to discuss his past and current adventures. Among Dr. Thirsk’s accomplishments such as holding the Canadian record for the longest space flight and the most time spent in space he is also an explorer. Someone who is always looking for a new way to achieve making a difference in life, science, the world and what is beyond the world to better society. You could define him as a medical and academic explorer with a passion for world science! Dr. Thirsk wanted to be challenged in life, he wanted to do something that would be difficult, that would lead him to engage and traverse mystery and that would have him share these adventures with amazing people in an equally amazing world of technology. Growing up in an era of space exploration excitement, he was inspired by the Apollo mission and astonished at the landing on the moon. This sparked his curiosity and helped set his life’s pathway filled with experiences that would allow him to answer his true calling as a courageous explorer and scientist. He didn’t want to do anything that was easy, because easy doesn’t offer a challenge or room for
Dr. Robert Thirsk
growth, and he still approaches each day with that same attitude. When asked what his favorite part about going into space was, Dr. Thirsk had two answers: “The view of earth and its fine details and how fascinating the connections between the ocean and land are; the beauty of nature.” Not only does seeing the earth create a feeling of personal vulnerability, “it’s mind blowing,” said Dr. Thirsk. The second thing that Dr. Thirsk said was his favorite part about going into space was working with top class organizations and some of the best people and scientists in the world. “It is a rare opportunity and satisfying feeling.” explained Dr. Thirsk.
Many people today look at science and technology and are unsure of where it will lead in the future, but when talking to Dr. Thirsk, you know that science and technology are the way of the future and not to be feared.. “Science tells us where we come from and where we are going, it’s natural history,” replied Dr. Thirsk when asked about the importance of Science. “And It’s fun”.
“Space is magical and it is a different world altogether,” said Dr. Thirsk. “The rules of daily living change when you are in space.” Dr. Thirsk, as an educator, a scientist, and a parent, is also deeply passionate about the next generation and their opportunities to expand upon and continue exploration in world science. When asked what he would tell young people to inspire them to reach for the stars, Dr Thirsk said, “Ideal jobs don’t fall from the sky. You need persistence! Don’t give up. FAIL! STOP! CORRECT! GO! And Education is a foundation to success.” Dr Thirsk likes to think that he has “failed his way to success”. He believes that we all need to learn, adapt, explore and keep going and that failing is a great way to learn. “You also need real goals”, Dr. Thirsk said and there are 3 things you need to look at: “1. What are you good at? 2. What are you passionate about? and 3. what do you bring value to?” Sometimes what we are good at is not what we are passionate about. So these are key components to setting goals. “Be persistent and never give up!” advised Dr. Thirsk.
The best part of that statement is “and it’s fun.” Science is about exploring, questioning, experimenting and starting the process all over again leading down a new path. There is so much to learn about the earth and space and society. “Technology has created problems, but technology will solve the problems,” believes Dr Thirsk when talking about technology. Technology and science have allowed us as humans to go into space and explore and create new enhancements and innovations in medical and scientific fields.
Dr Thirsk’s journey is far from over, he will keep going forward, keep helping and keep challenging others as well as himself, continuing to educate and inspire everyone he can about world science. He will encourage you to courageously “reach for the stars!” _______________________________
Fun Facts about Dr. Robert Thirsk: l
First person ever to receive a university degree from space
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Enjoys spending time with his family
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Plays the piano and loves to play Brahms’ A-Flat Waltz
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He has a Senior High School in Calgary, Alberta that is named after him! (Robert Thirsk High School) - he graduated from Calgary’s Lord Beaverbrook High School
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He is an officer of the Order of Canada
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He has degrees in Science, Engineering, Medicine and Management
EDUCATOR Educator Feature Meet
Tara Fry
Tara has a Bachelor in Natural Sciences
with a concentrations in Chemistry and Biology and a minor in English, from the University of Calgary. Along with a Bachelor of Education in Intermediate/Secondary Education, with specializations in Science and English. Tara has been Teaching at Banbury Crossroads Private School for 11 years, while being a private tutoring and running seminars for home-schoolers. Why did you decide to become a teacher? A few reasons – first, I have always wanted to make a difference in others’ lives. Next, when I was in university, I was working as a tutor, and during that time, I discovered that I love the “ah-ha” moment, that point where someone finally understands a concept they have been struggling with. Lastly, teaching is what feels the most natural for me to do. Why did you decide to teach Science and English? Why not? I love literature, and I love figuring out how the world works. Life outside of school isn’t split into distinct subjects, so why should teaching/the classroom have to be? What do you do to keep students excited and motivated? I’m “that teacher”. Want to make a monster? Why not? Avengers films study – Sure! I am kind of (a lot) crazy and unexpected, but I
always care about the kids and helping them get to their personal best. Flexibility, spontaneity, and using kids’ interests – that is what works best. What is the most exciting thing you have done in Science this year? Electrocuting pickles was pretty exciting, especially since we ended up using the apparatus to cook hot dogs as well. To electrocute pickles, we use the plug off a broken appliance, strip the ends and wrap them around screws, which are plugged into each end of a dill pickle. If you then plug it into the wall, there is a hiss, a bunch of steam, and then the pickle starts to light up. The pickle is acting as a resistor in the circuit (part of Science 9 electricity unit), much the same way a light bulb does. In the end, you get a cooked pickle, which a lot of people want to try. This experiment can also be used for upper-level chemistry, to demonstrate how different ions (in this case sodium) emit light
when excited, but mostly I use it to explain electricity and circuits. Some of my seniorhighs co-opted the apparatus (such as it is) to cook hot dogs (which works because, like pickles, they have a high salt content). There will be much more to come…Next week, we are going to be going all “Mythbusters” and investigating the diet coke and Mentos experiment with different types of cola. Do you connect Science with English? When I can, and when it makes sense for a student. Sometimes, at student has been told, somewhere along the line that they are either good at science or good English, and have come to believe it, so much so that they think they can’t do the other. By combining the two, it is possible to help students build confidence in an area they thought they couldn’t do. I have projects that combine books and science, including a unit for Grade 9s on The Martian, which covers some biology and space for science and a few projects for English.
I also have a unit of X-men film study that includes a genetics project for Biology 30.
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Education and Career Awareness Ron MacLean’s
Food Service and Preparation Class “As a teacher, I have decided the best way to help students succeed, is to use the knowledge and respect I have for the business foundations of the S.A.I.T Culinary/Hospitality programs and also those of successful restaurant chains and food establishments whom I’ve worked for, and who are constantly seeking individuals who are interested in employment in the Food Service industry.” Ron Maclean Ron MacLean is a past restaurant owner & S.A.I.T Culinary instructor, and is currently a teacher with the Calgary Board of Education, inspiring and educating students in the Food Preparation and Service Course at Jack James High School. The Food Preparation and Service Course is one of two food courses offered at Jack James. This course is designed to prepare students for occupations/apprenticeships or post-secondary studies in the Food Service and Hospitality Industry. Students learn about the relevancy and transference potential of skills taught in the course to understand how these skills apply to potential employment opportunities or to further education in Food services.
Throughout the tours, Jack James Food Service students noticed that a majority of the concepts shown were familiar to them as their educational learnings were demonstrated in practical service situations. Ron says, �As a teacher I am always changing my curriculum to make my class experience as realistic, demanding and current, similar to what employers are wanting from Food Service Industry workers.�
Showing job specific skills builds confidence and strength, allowing students to achieve their highest visions for themselves. Food Prep students learn about the history, current trends and technology in the industry. They cook a wide variety of foods in order to expand their experiences, broaden their palates, and increase their intrinsic motivation. The students are also introduced to the magnitude of non-cooking career opportunities in the Food industry. With the help of Jack James Career practitioners, the C.B.E. and Earls Restaurants, Jack James Food Service students toured Earls Barlow and Earls West Hills. The restaurant chain is interested in showcasing the opportunities available for students to become part of the Earls Restaurant team. These field trips were well received by everyone involved.
Ron brings his over 35 years of experience to the table, as he has worked in a wide array of Food Service jobs. He was also an Earls employee who held a variety of job positions, so he has the personal knowledge necessary to ensure that his students are given the best opportunities and motivations to explore their interests in the Food Service/Hospitality industries. “One of the biggest things about this class is, if you have a love and passion for cooking, this class will teach you almost everything that you need to know for all types of jobs in the Food Service industry.
“This class gave me the skills and knowledge to get a job as a cook.” Noa H., Food Service Student at Jack James High School. Recently, Ron contacted Earls Corporation President, Mo Jessa, and explained that he was going use Earls newly-released cookbook as a feature of class curriculum. The book’s concepts, recipes and cooking technology are very current and popular. The cookbook pictures are very appealing, the recipes and instructions provide motivation and inspiration and the tastes are amazing. Students are given the opportunities to work with and taste all types of foods and to learn new recipes and cooking techniques. The Earls cookbook content closely aligns with Alberta Education’s Food Preparation and Service curriculum.
guest chef demonstrations and discussions as as part of the curriculum. There is science in the growing and preparation of food and, of course, art is its presentation and the curriculum teaches to also respect the skills and creativity of those involved in all facets of the industry. Ron believes that mentoring students in various ways, such as these methods allow, keeps students up to date on exciting new food trends and technology, and with a solid curriculum, these are the best ways to prepare his students for their future careers. He strives to ignite the passions, palates and imaginations of his students as they pursue their interests and careers so that his students can bring their best “to the table” as well!
Aside from continuing the restaurant tours, Earls has generously agreed to provide cookbooks and resources, as well as including
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Indigenous Trail Trees & Coding A Micro:Bit Compass
I feel very fortunate to be able to travel often and meet amazing educators across the globe. However, when I am driving in a new area, I rely on my GPS heavily to navigate me through the concrete maze of city noise. It is hard for me to imagine a time before the Maps App, especially driving alone. Imagine having to pull over to read a paper map, hope you and it are facing the same direction and trust your own directional instinct. But what about those who navigated the globe before paper maps? Trail Trees, as I have come to learn, are pieces of history, often hundreds of years old. Before paper maps, Indigenous people would bend young trees to create permanent trail markers, designing safe paths through natural brush often pointing towards food, water and other landmarks. As time progressed, these trees have grown, keeping their original shape while modern life has sprung around them. While we don’t rely on trail trees today, I imagine the stories they could tell! Here is an opportunity to discuss STEM, coding, geography, history and social justice. Source: http://ahotcupofjoe.net/2016/06/trailmarker-trees-a-k-a-indian-marker-trees/ Using the Micro:Bit, students can code a navigational compass while learning about trail trees, geography, culture and Canadian heritage. The source code to program the Micro: Bit follows:
First, a forever loop keeps the degrees variable to up date by reading the internal compass heading of the Micro:Bit all the time. Put on your math caps and consider the different degree ranges.
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In Code Breaker, educator Brian Aspinall shares his insights on how into skills. Students identify problems, Your background artwork must fill the red area. Do not place logos, text, or essential images in the red solutions, and use coding and computational thinking to apply and area.develop If your artwork does not meet these requirements, it may be rejected. demonstrate their learning. From Aspinall’s collection of real-life examples and practical lesson ideas, you’ll discover how to... RedtoArea Out of Live/Bleed turn= curriculum expectations
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If “degrees” is between 135 and 225 the compass is pointing mostly East as shown above. The script is quick, but you can discuss conditional statements, cardinal directions, numerical ranges, trail trees, geocaching, etc. As a next step, we could talk about trying to determine the time of day using the sun, as our trail markers would have done hundreds of years ago. I would never want to be stranded alone in the bush after dark waiting to become somethings prey. Perhaps you could have students write a quick narrative about this very topic. Small moment writing often yields rich word choice and descriptive details. Since the Micro:Bit also has a temperature sensor, you can get quite creative with your activities. If I have learned anything in recent times, reconciliation begins with awareness. While
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there is a dark side to this awareness, having conversations is entirely crucial. On more than one occasion in recent weeks, I have been told that not talking about residential schools and Indigenous culture, out of fear or discomfort, is far worse than worrying about offending someone. As I reflect on my journey as of late, I realize that although I went to Manitoulin to “teach” coding and math workshops, I was the true learner. I was the true learner. Feel free to try this activity with your students and comment below, I would love to continue to learn from them and you.
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Dish Soap Slime Step one: Mix 1/2 a cup of Elmer’s glue with about a tablespoon of dish soap. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water and stir. The mixture will start to foam, at which point you can add in your favorite color of food coloring. Step two: Add one cup of baking soda to the mixture and stir. The baking soda and glue will start to react, creating a stretchy slime that is slightly heavier in texture than regular slime. How much baking soda you end up adding will depend on the humidity of the room you are currently in, but you will want to keep adding baking soda until you can handle the slime without it sticking to your fingers. Tip 1: If your slime is too runny: Add more baking soda until it thickens. Tip 2: If your slime is too solid: Add a bit more dish soap until it has a pliable texture. Store your fluffy slime in an airtight container or plastic bag. It should last for 3-4 days. Because it’s not preserved with borax, it is likely to get sticky and runny after a few days. Resource: https://livingwellmom.com/2017/08/fluffy-dish-soap-slime
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Kitchen Science The Winter Olympics are coming up in February 2018. There is science behind all of the different sports. Take your budding STEM kid and have him/her identify how a particular sport is won or judged. For some competitions it is like the motto - Higher, Faster, Stronger – but for others it is about the score. How many and/or how well someone does with a numerical outcome. If your child also plays hockey or other skill sport or if he/she likes to play Angry Birds or marbles or - heavens – that kid likes to aim spit-balls at his/her younger siblings, there are some very important science concepts that you can show and explain to your kids. In one of our classes, we introduce spit-balls – and a target. If you would rather, use marbles. Have your STEM kid roll marbles randomly over the target laid out on the floor.
Can they describe the pattern seen? Pretty random. How can someone make it better? There are three answers. If you need to, move the marbles and ask, “How is this better?”
Result 1: This shows the pattern of marbles clustered better around the center. This is more accurate or more accuracy. Accuracy is how close shots are to the target or a measured value is to the actual (true) value. This pattern is pretty accurate, but not precise.
Result 2: This shows the pattern of marbles more tightly clustered together. This is more precise or more precision. Precision is how close shots are to the target or measured values are to each other. This pattern is very precise, but not accurate.
Result 3: This pattern shows both an increase in accuracy and precision. How to Remember? l Accurate is correct (a bulls eye). l Precise is repeating (hitting the same spot, but maybe not the correct spot).
So, now you can add a dimension to watching particular sports. Does a particular sport rely upon accuracy and/or precision for scoring? How does the athlete get accuracy? How does the athlete get precision? What about your sports practices? Looks like a lot of what practice is about is learning how to be more accurate more repeatedly (precisely!) One thing your child should discover is that you can be pretty accurate once, but building up both accuracy and precision takes practice, practice and more practice. Repeatability is sometimes harder to achieve than accuracy. Hitting the Post If you are playing football/soccer and you always hit the right goal post instead of scoring, then you are not accurate, but you are precise! Practice then is about how do you increase your accuracy.
Beyond sports, accuracy and precision are important concepts we need for other things too. Being able to tell time needs some accuracy. Some STEM careers require knowing about the need for accuracy and precision. People who do lab tests need to be both! Besides lab technologists, there are other STEM-based and even some non-STEM sounding careers where accuracy and precision are very important. If your budding STEM kid is detail-oriented and perhaps even a perfectionist, see: https://comerecommended.com/careersfor-perfectionists This site has career ideas where these skills will be encouraged. Precisely!
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