Happenings in STEM -- Winter 2012
An update from Dr. Maria Eagen, Science Department Chair
We are off to another exciting year of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activity. Students have a wide array of new opportunities to both excite and motivate them. These include three new science electives, in computer programming, STEM applications, and “green” engineering construction, as well as and some service-learning projects for one of our student community service club partners through the Explorations in Engineering EPICS Program.
We are excited about all of our new developments. Please read on to learn more about these developments and come visit a classroom to experience them for yourself!
Explorations in Engineering
Using the “EPICS” (Engineering Projects in Community Service Learning) program for the second year, the Explorations in Engineering class has two teams designing and building items for Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center. Last year, Debbie C. ’13 began a community service club at Foxcroft for student volunteers to help Golden Dreams on Sundays. Debbie joined the Explorations in Engineering class this Fall with a passionate desire to help Golden Dreams meet the needs of all of its handicapped clients.
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Using the “EPICS” (Engineering Projects in Community Service Learning) program for the second year, the Explorations in Engineering class has two teams designing and building items for Golden Dreams Therapeutic Riding Center. Last year, Debbie C. ’13 began a community service club at Foxcroft for student volunteers to help Golden Dreams on Sundays. Debbie joined the Explorations in Engineering class this Fall with a passionate desire to help Golden Dreams meet the needs of all of its handicapped clients.
One of the engineering teams is designing and building a grain storage container for the horse feed, which will allow space for occupational and physical therapy. The second team has designed a u-shaped garden bench and flower box combination so that Golden Dreams can offer gardening as part of its occupational therapy program. Both of these projects will be delivered this month.
Curricular Enhancements
In this fall’s new science elective, Computer Programming Logic and Design, students are using Alice, an innovative 3D programming environment developed by Carnegie Mellon University, to create animations and games. Alice provides tools and materials for a conceptual core of computational thinking, problem solving, and computer programming. Students are learning proper algorithm development strategies while building animations.
Two new science electives are being offered this spring:
STEM Applications and Technology introduces students to the breadth of STEM fields through projects designed to teach skills that are essential for modern college students and professionals. Students will gain proficiency in several software applications, including data integration and analysis, graphing, statistical analysis, and computer-aided design. Students will be taught how to independently navigate new software products, providing a versatile skill set for use in both college and industry.
A section of Explorations in Engineering for students interested in the construction of our new dormitory is an extension of Project Green Build. A monthly program offered with the help of Forrester Construction that started this fall, Project Green Build gives students a chance to learn about all aspects of the building design and construction process through hands-on activities and construction site visits. In the special Explorations in Engineering section, students will help design the energy dashboard, which will display energy use information, to be installed in the new dormitory. Students will also learn 3D computer design and how to model buildings. The construction of the new dormitory offers unique opportunities to expose our students to applied science, technology, engineering, and math. . . the power of STEM!
In this fall’s new science elective, Computer Programming Logic and Design, students are using Alice, an innovative 3D programming environment developed by Carnegie Mellon University, to create animations and games. Alice provides tools and materials for a conceptual core of computational thinking, problem solving, and computer programming. Students are learning proper algorithm development strategies while building animations.
Two new science electives are being offered this spring:
STEM Applications and Technology introduces students to the breadth of STEM fields through projects designed to teach skills that are essential for modern college students and professionals. Students will gain proficiency in several software applications, including data integration and analysis, graphing, statistical analysis, and computer-aided design. Students will be taught how to independently navigate new software products, providing a versatile skill set for use in both college and industry.
A section of Explorations in Engineering for students interested in the construction of our new dormitory is an extension of Project Green Build. A monthly program offered with the help of Forrester Construction that started this fall, Project Green Build gives students a chance to learn about all aspects of the building design and construction process through hands-on activities and construction site visits. In the special Explorations in Engineering section, students will help design the energy dashboard, which will display energy use information, to be installed in the new dormitory. Students will also learn 3D computer design and how to model buildings. The construction of the new dormitory offers unique opportunities to expose our students to applied science, technology, engineering, and math. . . the power of STEM!
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
