Dr.P - SMS NexGen STEM

The end of the year was a time for experimentation and learning through the development of sustainable design incorporating mycelium (fungi), to fuse biomass with functionality. The 7th graders ingenuity and creative design lead to some truly remarkable work that has been recognized internationally as part of a case study by PrintLabs. Read the full blog post ( I wrote for publication). We've gone international!!!

Embracing Sustainable Design with Mycelium | PrintLab Students from Salisbury Middle School used Tinkercad and 3D printed moulds to grow their own consumer products from mycelium.

This project is so much more than just Astronomy and Physics! For Science, content connections and skills spanning 6th, 7th and 8th grade are incorporated throughout the project. This project required create planetary system characteristics-star-composition, type, a planetary system with written rationale, explaining ( # planetary bodies, essential data)., planetary models- design a model of the planetary system with written rationale, explaining; the star, the Exo-planet being explored and other planetary bodies within the system, acquire geographical data of CP2014S-Rodinia (based on images and data obtained from Planetary Orbiter P-Recon-1)- create a graphical representation of the planet's surface with written rationale, explaining, determine geographical details (mountains, oceans, etc.) with written rationale, explaining, radar/Sonar mapping of CP2014S-Rodinia- collect surface data, create a topographical map of the planetary surface with written rationale, explaining, determine from data a possible landing site for exploration craft with written rationale, explaining, planetary model - create a planetary model depicting the planet' continents only, highlight with written rationale, explaining, planetary activity based on research, radar/Sonar mapping of CP2014S-Rodinia- collect ocean floor data, create a topographical map of the planet's ocean floor with written rationale, explaining, planetary model- create a planetary model depicting the planet' ocean floor, atmosphere, and weather, highlight with written rationale, explaining planetary seafloor activity based on research, highlight with written rationale, explaining planetary weather patterns based on research, etc. In class, we have studied Newtonian Physics- frame of reference, laws of motion, speed vs velocity, constant speed, acceleration/deceleration/momentum, Types of Energy/transfer of energy- potential energy gravitational, kinetic energy, energy changes, conduction/convection/radiation, Law of Gravity- effects on weight and mass, Law of Conservation of mass, Astronomy-Big Bang Theory, galaxy formation, types of galaxies, stellar evolution, nebulas (Dark) Star Types, HR Diagram, constellations, solar system, types of solar system formation, characteristics of planets, Collision Ring Theory- Formation, types of (terrestrial/Gas giants/ice giants, Moons/Comets/Meteors and Asteroids, moon phases/eclipses- lunar, solar, total vs partial, Exo-Planets, Discovery methods- (Star wobble, star shading), Physics/Astronomy- Quantum Physics, Black holes, Planetary Systems, Astronomy/Geology/Atmospheric science- Planetary assay, Geology of Mars, Atmosphere of Mars, Astrobiology.

Check out the cool activities you may experience at the STEM Expo tomorrow!