Friday, July 22, 2016

Here are 10 places in your neighborhood that you can visit with your kids to learn how things work. Some may be easier to get a tour with a group (school, scouts, etc), but you may be able to go during a slow part of the day and get a private tour or interview.

Ask the professionals to share what tools and technology they use.

1. Utilities - Recycling, water sanitation

Some local utilities have specific dates for public tours or will schedule group tours.

2. Fire station, police car, ambulance

Ask community helpers to show the inside of their trucks and tools they use.

3. Local Restaurants

The kitchen in your local restaurant usually has well planned logistics to get food out quickly. Pizza places sometimes offer tours to groups. Even fast food restaurants have interesting tools they use to get food out fast and consistently.

4. Grocery store

Peak behind the scenes in the stock room to see how food gets from truck to shelves and into our homes.

5. Bank

Help kids understand money is not just about a credit card.

6. Library

Ok, I am a Dewey Decimal system nerd and love the order of sorting and reshelving books.

7. Repair shop

Lots of cool tools to ask about.

8. Gas station

Where does the gas come from and how does it get into our cars?

9. Local farm, upick or farmer's market

Whether there are animals or fruits and vegetables, there are plenty of learning opportunities about where our food comes from.

10. Construction site

Big tools and trucks. Make sure you watch from a distance and everyone is safe.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

How the Children's Creativity Museum helped me embrace STEAM

I have to admit, I was not a big fan of the recent trend to add "Art" to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. When I was in college, art and dance were my outlets to take a break from engineering classes. I wanted a separation and distinction between them. But the Children's Creativity Museum in San Francisco has enlightened me to the errors of my logic.

We just visited this museum with our 2 and 5 year old. We had not taken my son when he was younger, because he was not into craft projects, but I know now that this museum has something for every kid.

There are small motor skill activities like clay, cutting, gluing and coloring (Perfect for my perfectionist two year old). But there are also plenty of large motor activities like giant blocks, outdoor obstacle course and Legos (just enough to balance the energy of my 5 year old). Some of the stations were free play, while some of them had themes or suggestions, like creating a "nature" collage or using alien figures for an animation video. One of my favorites, from an engineering perspective, was the Mystery Box Challenge. Each family or group gets a box of random scraps of material (string, paper, foam, etc) and a "challenge." Ours was "Playground for elephants." My son immediately started gluing things together. I wanted to brainstorm, create a plan and split up tasks, but I eventually let it go and embraced the random building.

My daughter's favorite? Princess dress up and Frozen karaoke. I have the video to prove it. You can actually choose from a number of kid songs, but "Let it Go" was on heavy rotation.

My son's favorite? Programming robots. Seriously, my 5 year old was programming.

They had a really kid friendly setup with different robot stations that played music, rolled through an obstacle course or made drawings. They use child-proof iPads to control them, with either a simple interface or preset programming blocks. Made me wish I could be a kid in this generation, rather than being stuck with Oregon Trail and Basic functions on my TRS80.

So I am now a believer in the power of combining Art and STEM. It is all about creating something to solve problems, emphasis on CREATIVE.

Bring on the STEAM, especially when robots and princesses are involved.

The Children's Creativity Museum is at 221 4th Street, San Francisco. Walking distance from the Powell St. Bart station. Admission is $12/person; Open 10am-4pm Wed-Sun (www.creativity.org). Look for discount tickets through your local library Discover & Go program.

There is also a Carousel ($4/2 rides, discount with museum admission) and free outdoor playground next door. For older kids, there is an ice skating rink and bowling alley in the same complex. Plenty of food places are in the nearby Metreon and along 4th street.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

YOU are an engineer

en-gi-neer [en-juh-neer]

noun; A person trained and skilled in the design, construction and use of complicated products, systems or structures.

Engineering is a difficult field and requires a strong understanding of math and science, but in the real world, there are everyday engineers that do not have formal training, yet "engineer" complex systems on a daily basis. I call those engineers Moms (or Dads).

Don't get me wrong. I do not mean to denigrate the intense technical training and experience that I have as an engineer. The work I and other formally trained Mechanical engineers do may be on a bigger scale, but parents use similar skills and tools to improve their household.

Just because you do not have a degree in Mechanical engineering or studied a bunch of Physics classes, does not mean you are not Engineering solutions using science and systems every day.

Think about it...

Have you ever helped your children build a better fort by supporting the walls with extra pillows?

Then you have used physics to spread out the force to balance a structure.

Even creating and managing a meal that your family will eat is a complex process that I have yet to master, let alone replicate on a daily basis.

Have you ever combined ground beef with a liquid to make a burger stick together better?

Then you have used chemistry to break down the collagen to gelatins.

Have you ever made an awesome treat like jello or popsicles?

Then you have used chemistry to change the phase of a liquid to a solid.

Call them Mom Hacks; call them survival tactics; call them whatever you want, but you are solving problems every day. Take a moment to be proud of yourself and recognize the engineer in you.

Now how do you get your kids to recognize the engineer in themselves? Challenge them to ask questions and look for their own solutions to problems. One of the best ways to do that is for them to follow the Scientific Method:

1. Observe (Recognize the situation and define the problem)

2. Make a hypothesis (Identify an idea of how to solve the problem)

3. Test (Create an experiment or method to try the solution)

4. Review results (Whether the results are what you expected or not, you can learn from them)

5. Start again with a refined observation and problem statement (do not give up, this is a continuous cycle. A failed experiment is not the end; it means it's time for another experiment.)

Remember, you are an engineer too, so share your experiences of how you have tested and learned from your trial and error. You may not know the official science behind everything, but you know what works and does not in the world around you. It is practical experience.

I am proud to be an Engineer by training, but I am even prouder of my "engineering" feats in the house. My goal is someday we will all state with pride, Mom is an Engineer!

Monday, March 21, 2016

Rainy Day Science

With some rainy days here recently, we have had to resort to indoor fun. What better activity when you are stuck inside than to learn about science!

Here are some of our favorites using common household items.

Make it rain (in a jar)

http://www.greenkidcrafts.com/make-it-rain/

Water tension with pepper and dish soap (had to do this multiple times to show dad)

http://carrotsareorange.com/preschool-science-surface-tension/

Other water fun

http://learning.innerchildfun.com/2013/04/5-simple-experiments-with-water.html

Density demo with eggs (did not work the first time for us. You need to use a lot of salt.)

http://we-made-that.com/how-are-mountains-made/

Sink or float? Or better yet, a Lego boat.

http://handmadekidsart.com/lego-boat-engineering-project-for-kids/

Fun with magnets (magnets are really like magic!)

http://www.racheous.com/montessori-home/exploring-magnetism/#_a5y_p=1858730

Plate tectonics with graham crackers and whipped cream. (Yummy!)

http://we-made-that.com/how-are-mountains-made/

Other edible experiments (because you need to eat)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/morganshanahan/19-kitchen-science-experiments-you-can-eat

What is your favorite rainy day experiment?

Sunday, March 6, 2016

5 Book Suggestions for Women's History Month

It's Women's History Month and time to find some good reading material for the kids. I have only read the first two below, but the others are on my list.

Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought) (Author) Kathleen Krull

http://www.amazon.com/Lives-Extraordinary-Women-Neighbors-Hardcover/dp/B00EDZ15FM/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457225469&sr=1-2&keywords=lives+of+extraordinary+women+rulers+rebels+and+what+the+neighbors+thought

Lives of Extraordinary Women has short intervals describing the accomplishments and vices of top women throughout history. From Cleopatra to Aung San Sun Kyi, there is a lot to learn from strong women leaders of the past. Their stories are not perfect, but do highlight the power that some of these women were able to wield and maintain. Although some of the details are inappropriate for young kids, I am adapting for bedtime stories for this month.

A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women

by Lynne Cheney

http://www.amazon.com/Abigail-Almanac-Amazing-American-Women/dp/0689858191/ref=pd_sim_14_13?ie=UTF8&dpID=61feSfoEcmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR156%2C160_&refRID=0HKPFQ4Q34GC7GY48SP4

This book is an entertaining who's who of American women, organized by categories, including women in science and math.

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Think-Everything-Ingenious-Inventions/dp/0618195637/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457225201&sr=1-3&keywords=women%27s+history+for+kids

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World

by Cynthia Chin-Lee

http://www.amazon.com/Amelia-Zora-Twenty-Six-Women-Changed/dp/1570915237/ref=pd_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=61FSLDPl%2BrL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1A7BQ4G33F0Z1C9BSXQ5

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

by Rachel Ignotofsky

http://www.amazon.com/Women-Science-Fearless-Pioneers-Changed/dp/1607749769/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457225671&sr=1-5&keywords=women+scientists+childrens+books

What are your pics for Women's History Month?

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

STEM events in Bay Area (2/27/16)

Looks like it is STEM season! Time for some weekend Science, Technology, Engineering and Math events around the Bay Area.

Mother/Daughter Science Workshop
Have a blast exploring electricity! Mothers and daughters will work together to design and take home a magical motorized fluttering fairy. After a potluck lunch, while the daughters make a second exciting hands-on science project, the mothers will break off to share ideas and resources on ways to encourage daughters in science. Sat., 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Lake Merritt. $115/for two (mother/child). 5-12 (and their moms!).

http://www.sarahscience.com/pages/mother.html

Bay Area Discovery Museum STEM Superhero Series

Get ready for some serious fun! The STEM Superhero Series invites young visitors to use their STEM superpowers to solve real world challenges. All STEM Superheroes will receive capes to adorn with badges earned at each event; attend all four to complete the mission! Events include special facilitated programs for all ages and performances, all free with admission.

Jan 30: Extreme Water: Super Solving for Drought, Storms & Floods
Feb. 27: Building Big: Super Solving for a Booming California
Apr. 23: Power Up! Super Solving for Food, Waste & Energy
May 14: Code Our Future: Super Solving with Robots

Marin City Library

Kick off the library’s month long STEAM events with a Super Space Party. Build an edible rover and other space fun, included games and snack

http://marinlibrary.org/events-and-programs#/?i=2

Other resources for STE(A)M classes or events:

http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/swenext (New service to get updates on STEM outreach events for girls in your area)

http://youstem.org/main/discover/ (local K-12 opportunities in STEM)

http://www.techbridgegirls.org (Organized STEM events for girls; often partner with schools and Girl Scouts)

http://engineeringforkids.com/location/sfbayarea

https://tinkergarten.com