Stem SCIENCE CLASSES

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Outline:
Building a model kit requires following the construction steps completely and in the correct order with the right parts. Like an interesting 3D puzzle that gives you something you can actually use when you are done.

First time and young builders are going to face hurdles and setbacks that can leave them discouraged, especially trying on their own. By providing easy to construct kits about subjects they enjoy and being ready with the support and assistance to fix problems or following the steps to build, this class can help children grasp these basic hands on STEM principles needed to complete their kit and take those valuable skills elsewhere.

Classes also include art supplies to customize the kits while and after they are completed to make the experience unique for each student.

Skills and comfort with building will be different for everyone and there is no expectation that everyone will complete their kit during the class but they will have the basic skills to continue following the included directions at home and bring those skills to classes in the future. The collaborative format of the classes are meant to encourage participants to aid each other in the build process and towards the end of the class participants are encouraged to use their kits in interesting collaborative games where they win or lose as a group.        

Building -  
The included instructions with each kit detail the construction process. They are made with the intention of educating about the subject being built and include lots of detailed information about each animal/dinosaur/machine the kit is for. No tools are required for assembling these kits, soft sanding sticks are available to smooth edges to make connecting parts easier. Parts snap out of the assemblies and together with light pressure. Class Instructors have tools like part separators and non-toxic adhesives that can disassemble/fix parts constructed or damaged in error.

Decorating -
Each participant has access to a small pallet, brushes and water dish to clean supplies. Non-Toxic Acrylic Paints will also be provided. While there is no wrong way to decorate, there are common techniques that are applicable to model kit building which will be introduced as optional decoration methods. Simple washes and stippling. These techniques have 2 or 3 steps, are very straightforward and don’t require precision so they can be mastered easily.

Science/Biology -
Every kit has very insightful information included in the instructions. They detail how the form of the subject mechanically moves based on its internal structures, how its body shape and size affects how it engages with its environment. Supplemental information will be provided on print outs about each subject as well. Access to more detailed information when queries are asked via educational resources online when needed.

Games/Activities -
Everything during classes is meant to be collaborative. Working together to overcome challenges is an important skill often needed and very often not emphasized in STEM education. The games will utilize the completed models and everyone wins or loses games together.  

Inverted Hangman -
Each participant chooses their own Phrase or  group of words to be guessed based on the number of exterior pieces the model has. The instructor takes a turn guessing letters. If a player's word has a guessed letter they remove an exterior piece of their model. The instructor only wins when everyone only has their fossils left.

Skin your Dino-
Break into even groups. One person from each team takes a turn rolling a 6 sided die to see how many pieces their team can add back onto their fossils each turn. After all the teams take a turn the instructor rolls 2 dice, one chooses the team who takes pieces off their kits and one to determine how many pieces come off. If a team manages to reskin their whole dino before the 10 minute timer, students win! 

Inverted musical chairs -
A set number of chairs are placed and music is played. When the music stops everyone tries to fit their model on the remaining chairs. After each round a chair is removed. If any models are left at the end, kids win!