AWARD YEAR: 2022

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY

DIRECTOR: ROBERT FERGUSON

PROJECT TITLE: THE STEM OF POLYMERS: A SUMMER PROGRAM IN STEM EXPLORATION FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and STEMantics are partnering to present The STEM of Biopolymers. Using a Project-Based Learning approach, the students will be challenged to create a biodegradable plastic to replace common six-pack rings. The creation of a safe, accessible biopolymer (Teaching Channel, 2016) made from corn starch, glycerin, vinegar and water serves as the central activity. All activities will be standards-aligned and taught by licensed science and math teachers. Some overarching concepts include heat, elasticity, friction, graphing, and tensile strength. Skills, such as writing, public speaking, inquiry, and communicating results are emphasized as well. The “Think, Make, Try, Refine Model” will formally introduce students to mathematical processes, scientific innovation, and problem-solving. The students will be provided with snacks and a hot lunch. We anticipate hosting 24 students for five days twice over the summer, thus, impacting 48 students per year. Academic follow-ups will be held twice in the fall and twice in the spring. Increasing STEM career awareness is facilitated by tours of A&T facilities, meetings with careers services specialist, a tour of Core Technology Molding Corporation, and interactions with STEM professional.

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