The AState SPOCS team was thrilled to officially pitch our experiment to our citizen science partners at Nettleton STEAM and Blessed Sacrament Catholic School! This end-of-semester kickoff was designed to introduce students to the idea of biodegradation and encourage them to think like true biologists and engineers. Each grade level (rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders) were given their own hands-on activity to excite the kids for the upcoming semester of collaboration.
For the 6th grade group, we challenged them to “think like an engineer” and design their own Lego, waxworm container following given parameters, just as the engineers on the A-State team must do. Their mock modules were then put through a series of experimental tests such as g-force, drop force, and containment level, while simultaneously keeping their “astronaut” (a Lego figurine) and worm (gummy) in separate sections. This gave an inside look of what it takes to be an engineer for the SPOCS Program, and the challenges engineers encounter when attempting to meet the requirements of an International Space Station module fit for launch. Our citizen scientists were not only technical, but also creative. Student groups designed parachutes, shock absorbing systems, and other unique methods to ultimately pass the tests!
Our 5th grade citizen scientists were challenged to think strategically during our WaxWorm Racing Tournament! They focused on the biological aspect of the experiment, thinking about how to manipulate the waxworms to perform in a specific way. Students were given preliminary information about their specimen, then challenged to use these facts to their advantage in order to win the race. In the beginning they knew three things: waxworms don’t like light, they do love food, and they will run away if you tickle their butts! After some time to brainstorm, it was “go time” and students executed their plan to boost their waxworm “racer” past the finish line. This fun activity provided the students an opportunity to design a strategic plan around a living organism just as the A-State biologists do!
Finally, our rising 4th grade scientists got a little more “abstract” with a waxworm painting activity. Much like the 5th graders, students were given information about what waxworms do and don’t like. This allowed them to direct our wiggly artists in a certain direction to create a modern masterpiece! Students were able to get creative and were also encouraged to ask questions about what makes our waxworm friends so special. Overall, this was a fantastic opportunity to introduce students to the waxworm and get our scientists excited about sustainability! #wormsrule
To learn more about our Citizen Scientists, check out the links for Nettleton STEAM and their Facebook page as well as Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and their Facebook page
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