Welcome to Vivify’s Blog!
Pipe Cleaner STEM Challenge
The Pipe Cleaner (aka "Fuzzy Sticks") Challenge is one of my favorite STEM activities to introduce students to STEM learning. This is a fun, inexpensive, and engaging challenge that can be tailored to different ages, settings, and time-frames. This challenge is also an excellent team icebreaker.
Vivify Presents: Winter STEM Calendar
Just in time for the winter holidays, we have created a STEM winter-themed calendar! Students will pop frozen bubbles, make fake snow, design a new Santa sleigh, build a wrapping paper bridge, and much more. The calendar is jam-packed with ideas to keep the learning going during these holiday months. This calendar is recommended as a STEM challenge to students for the holiday break!
I Didn't Always Want to be an Engineer
What!?! Yes, it is true. Engineering was never my ultimate dream job; but it was part of my dream.
I remember one day in an engineering class at Texas A&M University where the professor asked my classmates and I, "Who in here wants to end up working with people?" I don't remember the point of this question, but I do remember that there were only two people in the class that raised their hands-- me and my Vivify sidekick, Natasha. You see, my dream was always to help people. I enjoy working with others, finding creative ways to solve the problems of this world, and ultimately improving the lives of others. The issue was, however, that I had this knack and interest in engineering, particularly for Aerospace Engineering. So where and how would my skills and my dream collide?
Diet Coke + Mentos Balloon Experiment
A staple science experiment is the famous Diet Coke + Mentos reaction. Every child loves the impressive geyser created from combining these two ingredients. If you are not familiar with this classic, I highly recommend you try it out or at least watch this video: MythBusters
One problem with conducting this experiment in a classroom is the obvious messy factor. Another issue is having students actively participate instead of just watching an awesome explosion (still highly recommended). My twist on this experiment involves a smaller version of the reaction that is contained inside a balloon! Read on to learn more.
Mobile STEM Classroom
These past few months have been a whirlwind! I moved to San Antonio and started my new work at Communities In Schools. I was excited, but nervous, to take on the challenge of creating brand new STEM programs for middle school students. Luckily I had a few years of volunteer work in Maryland developing and leading after school programs, but this is an official role with lots of eyes watching!
