STEM Adventures at SEGA
Inaugural STEM Adventures at SEGA Program Helps Students Envision Study and Career Paths in Science
I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of
In order to support students’ development of a curiosity mindset and use language to actively and directly engage with the natural world the STEM Adventures students employed an exploration routine --- I Notice, I Wonder, It Reminds Me Of – when discussing their observations. This became the STEM Adventures mantra!! Students then could carry away and apply these important skills in any outdoor setting or area of their lives. During the exploration walks and related activity, students chose a natural object, then made “I notice”. . . statements out loud with a partner and with the group. They do the same with “I wonder,” . . . questions and “It reminds me of” . . . connections.
After several months of planning, preparing lessons, and collaborating with SEGA faculty and many volunteer workstreams, the first-ever STEM Adventures at SEGA science enrichment program was held at the school from June 19 – 29, 2022. The program was designed and developed by the Nurturing Minds’ STEM Committee with SEGA faculty, featuring program and lesson content contributions from a wide array of STEM expertise among volunteers including professionals in education, biomedical research, medicine, environmental science and pharmacology. Eleven volunteers from across the US made the trip to SEGA for the program, bringing needed equipment, science lesson materials, lab resources, and even a weather station.
The STEM Committee worked closely with SEGA STEM subject faculty and administrators to devise the best possible enrichment program that would ignite interest, excitement and confidence among the students in pursuing studies and eventually careers in STEM. Underlying every lesson was a reference profile and discussion on African women scientists from across the continent, representing fields as diverse as energy/environmental conservationists to hematologists.
From leaf chromatography to solar energy and heat experiments to testing and exploring via extended microscope sessions in the labs, the students had an extensive experience in physical science scenarios. Combining the excitement of new STEM experiences while drawing on their foundational knowledge, the students were able to have hands-on experience while exploring new angles on science topics with their classmates in a variety of field and classroom experiences.
The STEM Adventures at SEGA Curriculum included the following sessions for all Form I students:
What is a Scientist?
Weather Station & Barometer - Understanding the essential elements of pressure in weather, how to define it, how to define and measure its parameters (via setting up a hand crafted barometer), how to differentiate weather from climate, and how to differentiate what constitutes changes in weather from changes in climate.
Microscope - Learning how to use a microscope, how to perform a wet mount and participate in a discussion on living organisims.
Acids & Bases - Categorizing liquids by how acidic or basic they are using their pH.
Chromatography - Learn about using paper chromatography to separate pigments associate with photosynthesis that are present in leaves. Students separate the pigments using paper chromatography, a technique scientists use to separate mixtures of molecules.
Solar Energy Light and Heat - Learning how energy is transmitted via light waves from the sun and absorbed to be transformed into heat energy and what changes the amount of electricity a solar cell can produce?
African Women Scientist Biosketchs - Exposing students to African women in science so that they may see the variety of scientific occupations and careers available to them.
Photosynthesis - Investigating how sunlight is used in the process of photosynthesis.
Habitats of Tanzania
Water Mapping - Mapping and collection of water samples from the SEGA campus to perform a water hardness test.
Solar System - Understanding the contents and scale of our solar system.
Vaccines
According to the UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 33 per cent of the world’s researchers, still occupy fewer senior positions than men at top universities, and only 12 per cent of members of the national science academies are women. This year’s global awareness event, International Day of Women and Girls in Science held on February 11, 2022, featured the theme “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us” and marked the 7th celebration since inception in 2015. It was a significant effort to empower women and girls to pursue STEM studies and careers, advocate for inclusivity and diversity in STEM disciplines, inspire girls by showcasing women role models in innovation, and mobilizing partners to promote gender equality in the field of science - and aligns with the goals of the STEM Adventures at SEGA program.
The 2023 STEM Adventures at SEGA program is in the works! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at info@nurturingmindsinafrica.org
