Overview

DMD students interviewed a local professional from an underrepresented group in the field of STEM. Based on the interview, students created biographical narratives and portraits of their STEMists, historical timelines, and Investicrates (a hands-on engineering experience) inspired by their STEMist.

Project Initiation

Students began investigating underrepresentation in STEM with a close reading of NSF’s 2019 report “Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering.” Students concluded that people are more likely to pursue STEM if they have a mentor of similar gender/ethnicity. To help solve the problem of underrepresentation, students interviewed local STEMists about their experiences in the field. Students created products so that more people will see themselves reflected in STEM.

Project Exploration and Development

As production teams, students participated in interviews with their STEM professionals. In Physics, students used the Engineering and Design process to create a movable device which highlights a physics concept inspired by one of the STEMists. Students created multiple prototypes in Tinkercad that were printed using 3D printers. In American Literature, students used the interviews to create narratives for each STEM professional- capturing their motivation, struggles, and highlights.  In U.S. History, students researched historical figures and events that broke barriers for underrepresented populations, which the students then crafted into timelines. Finally, the students translated all of their content into a STEAM-a-zine (narrative, portrait, timeline, and Investicrate) in Multimedia.

Project Revision and Exhibition

Students received multiple rounds of feedback on their products from their STEM professionals and teachers, which students then used to revise their content. In the Fall, students participated in a showcase to highlight their investicrate- engineering devices designed in Tinkercad. Students will participate in an end of the year Defense of Learning using the project work as their evidence. Their work will still be shared with our community and local schools through a digital STEAM-a-zine.

Teachers and Subjects

Scott Hebeisen - Multimedia Production
Peri Kost - American Literature
Zach Robson - US History
Kriss Thompson - Physics