Homewood City Schools and McWane Science Center partnered on a new program to combine lunch and science together during the school Covid-19 closure.
Published: May 27, 2020
By: McWane Science Center
Homewood City Schools provided free meals to children under 18 during the school closures this spring, and each meal packet included a Science Challenge card provided by the Education Department at McWane Science Center.
What is the science behind the activities? All of the activities on the cards were engineering challenges using only the materials (packaging) from the meal kits. The cardboard, paper, and plastic that would usually end up in a recycling bin could be used to practice the steps of the engineering process and help solve some interesting problems- like building a bridge or creating something that can fly in the wind.
STEM/Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are important to all of us in our everyday lives. STEM activities were included to encourage problem-solving in creative, experimental, and innovative ways. This is one way to continue to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders in our community.
What are the ages these activities are designed for? These are good for ages 3-99. The great thing about STEM education is it has no age constraints. These cards are geared towards students K-8th grade with vocabulary and supplemental resources that require some reading. But, with the help of an adult, even the youngest members of the family can have fun with the challenges.
Why? When schools closed, and McWane Science Center had to shut down, all those end-of-the-year field trips and outreach programs were canceled. Spring is a time when McWane education staff engage with students all over Central Alabama, and more fill the museum for field trips. It is a time when we help teachers reinforce the skills and concepts they have been working with their students in fun new ways. Unfortunately, this year we have all had to stay home and help stop the spread of this virus. By providing the challenge cards, we hoped to continue to do what we do best “spark wonder and curiosity about our world through hands-on science experiences.”
McWane Science Center is currently working with other school systems to offer these science lessons during the summer lunch programs.