Kids in Gary are solving some complex problems. They’re figuring out how to grow beans on the moon and how to protect a fragile egg from a large drop.
The youngsters, members of the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club in Gary, aren’t being taught in the traditional sense, but still, they’re picking up important aspects of science, engineering, technology and math, subjects that more and more are being grouped together as STEM education.
The new program at the club was made possible by a $65,000 grant from the Boeing Company. The funds were presented at a recent ceremony at the club. About 60 people showed up for the event at the club’s building on 19th Avenue.
“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with corporate sponsors,” said Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson as she greeted the audience. “When the Boeing Company came to us, we realized this (STEM) program would be a great opportunity for our students and our city. STEM education is very important.”
Boys & Girls Club president and CEO Anne Flannery said the program could help participating kids get good jobs as adults.
“This (John Will Anderson) building is our flagship building, and we’re very honored that it was chosen for the grant,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity for our kids. If you start out (with STEM education) at the elementary and junior high levels, the students will have the opportunity to get any of the jobs in the STEM areas.”
After the short program, which was held in one of the classrooms, students showed visitors what they’ve been up to. The program began last month.
“We’re learning about our Solar System,” said Arianna Love, 11, as she and classmates pointed to their drawing on one of the classroom walls. “It’s interesting where everything is placed.”
On the other side of the room, STEM student Dominque Watts, 14, showed visitors his ‘egg drop’ project, complete with fresh egg and cotton balls. The eighth-grader also talked about the benefits of participating in STEM classes.
“We’re learning interesting things each time we go,” he said. “It’s fun, and I get to meet new people.”
Lined along the classroom windowsill were a dozen bean plants.
But these weren’t the type of plants that were placed in dirt, to be transferred to a home garden.
They were experiments to adapt the bean plants had they been destined for growth on the moon.
A hole was made in one plastic cup to allow for a small piece of rope to absorb about an inch of water placed in the bottom of the second cup. Since there would be no water on the moon to add to the plant growth, the absorption through the wick would accomplish this, according to student Blake Dorsey, 12.
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The actual bean that would grow was placed in the top cup into pieces of synthetic rock. he added.
Instructors hired to facilitate the program are Gloria Sanders and Alicia DuBose.
“After a day in regular school, the kids don’t want just more academics,” Sanders said. “The (STEM) curriculum makes education fun, they get very engaged in it.”
JWA club director Rose Joyner is very excited about the new program. “I understand the curriculum comes from the Museum of Science and Industry. That’s impressive.”