Homeschool STEM on Site: April

STEM on Site allows groups to visit the We Energies STEM Center at MSOE and engage in hands-on, STEM based activities. While not limited to only homeschool students, the timing of this program is scheduled to enable homeschool students to participate with other homeschool scholars from around the area.

Please note each month's program is a standalone opportunity. Programs do not build upon one another to enable families to pick and choose which months are best for them.

THIS MONTHS PROGRAMS & SCHEDULE

10:00-11:00 3rd-5th: Heart Valve Design

10:00-11:00 6th-8th: Space Lander

Heart Valve Design

Students will learn about functions of a healthy heart.  Then students will be challenged to design and construct a replacement mitral valve that allows blood cells (marbles) to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, but not back in the other direction when the box is tipped. Once a valve is ready to test, students implant it between the two chambers (in the box model) and test their model by placing marbles on the left atrium side and tipping the box toward the left ventricle.

Space Lander

Students will learn about the engineering design process. They will then use the process to design a space lander that can land on any planet within our solar system. Electronic force plates will be integrated to allow students to test if their lander meets specified design requirements for a safe landing.

FAQ's

Will you be adding 1st and 2nd grade sessions?

We are offering 3rd - 8th grade sessions only at this time for this program. Please subscribe to our mailing list to learn about all opportunities for 1st - 12th grade students.

May I drop my student off at the street / sidewalk near the Center?

Families should walk-in to check-in their students. Students cannot be dropped off more than 10 minutes before program start and must be picked up within 10 minutes of the program end time. Children not in a program must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

How do I get to your facility?

We are located at 1444 N Water Street on the MSOE campus. A map and parking information will be sent to all families at least one week prior to your program start date.

Can I sit with or watch my student in your program?

Our programs do not have capacity to accommodate adult visitors and are designed around students learning in teams. The Center has windows in each classroom where families are welcome to visually check in on their students and ample seating around the facility will be available for families who wish to stay while their student is in a program(s).

Can siblings or other children sit in and observe other programs?

Only those enrolled in a specific session will be allowed to attend to ensure all students are fully participating. For example, in the 3rd - 5th grade session, only 3rd through 5th grade students should be in the program.

The Center does not have childcare and parents who wish to stay for the session with other students should bring items to keep those students occupied.

My student is an advanced learner - should I enroll them in a higher grade level program?

Please enroll your student in the grade level program that corresponds with their current grade. All of our programs have variations and elements we can add and redact to make an activity more challenging or easier to accommodate a spectrum of learners.

High school learners who wish to participate can contact stem@msoe.edu. We have not had enough demand to add a session for this age group and letting us know you are interested helps us plan for future sessions.

My student has accommodations that need to be made - who do I contact?

Please e-mail stem@msoe.edu if your student has any physical, mental or emotional accommodations that our team should be aware of prior to the program to help us ensure your student has a great experience at MSOE!

We do not have staffing to offer 1:1 student support during a program. If your student requires assistance at all times, please reach out as soon as possible to help us better understand if we can ensure your student has a great learning experience.