Using Math in Cookie Package Design
Watch this video as youth work together to design and build a prototype package to keep cookies safe.
As you watch the video, here are two things to think about:
- What mathematical knowledge do you see the youth using?
- How does the facilitator support youth in using their math knowledge?
Now that you’ve watched the video, reflect on what you saw. How does this apply to your work?
- How did the facilitator draw on youth’s math skills in the design of the activity?
- What questions did the facilitator ask youth to help them think through financial constraints on their design?
Knowing how to effectively apply math and science is critical to the development of high-quality engineering solutions. When you lead engineering activities, encourage youth to use their math and science knowledge in the engineering process. Help them see that this is part of the work of engineering.
Explore Engineering Practices
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Making Learning Fun
Youth look to you as an example of what they should do and how they should look at the world. Do you use the engineering practices and share your thought processes and reflections? Not sure how? Learn ways to model the engineering processes in your daily work.
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Understanding Your Audience Needs
Watch and listen as Jean discusses the importance of understanding the needs of both your staff and youth when evaluating materials and resources for STEM learning. Pay close to attention to strategies she uses to set everyone up for success.
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Bringing in the Experts
Facilitators of STEM activities can help youth connect to STEM careers by providing opportunities to introduce STEM professionals to youth.