WEF supports Innovative Engineering Project at WMHS
WMHS Engineering Students and Teachers on Presentation Day.
This year the WMHS Science Department in consultation with Joanne Marks, Science Curriculum coordinator for grades 5-12, developed a new course geared to be a capstone experience for advanced Grade 12 students interested in Science and Engineering. The new Engineering Course, entitled, Engineering Design and Development was based on Project Leads the Way Curriculum and uses this problem solving framework. The course challenged students to identify a real-world issue, research, design and test a unique solution as a team, and then present their solutions to WEF and other community members. Engineering teacher, Catherine Cameron took this innovative class one step further by applying for a grant from the Wakefield Educational Foundation. In addition to asking WEF for funding to support student Engineering design projects, Cameron sought WEF support to participate in a student grant writing process. The WEF Grant Review Team was intrigued by the innovative project-based engineering design work but also appreciated that, at the same time, students would be learning about the grant writing process and how to seek funding for their creative projects. The WEF Grant Review Team unanimously approved this grant and partnered with the teachers to create a valuable learning experience for their students.
Nine students worked in 4 small groups to plan their projects. Each of the four groups would be eligible for a portion of the WEF grant funds to support the cost of creating a prototype and any other cost accrued in the process of collecting data or testing their hypothesis. They would follow the Engineering Design Process, which is a key component of the Massachusetts State Frameworks. According to the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Science and Technology/Engineering, “the standards expect students to research and analyze specific design solutions that give them an opportunity to determine optimal conditions for performance of materials, influences of cost, constraints, criteria, and possible environmental impacts...Students communicate and evaluate solutions to real-world problems, propose or refine solutions, and examine the social and cultural impacts a product, material, manufacturing process, or technology could have in our world."
The students chose a range of real-world problems to address including Light pollution, Improving parking at Wakefield Memorial High School, Soreness and Tightness in the Lower Body, and helping high school students wake up energized with a newly created RiseAwake app. Along with following the procedure to determine solutions, the students explained their interest and investment in the particular topics and all subject matters and solutions were meaningful and relevant to the student participants. The students found the project to be a positive hands-on learning experience. According to student participant, Emma Fitzgerald, “Engineering Design and Development was a great experience that dealt with solving a real-life problem, working with others, and preparing me for my future STEM career."
Because the Wakefield Educational Foundation would be supporting this program, and grant writing was identified as an additional aspect of this project, Engineering teacher, Catherine Cameron, invited WEF Board Members and volunteers to review the students’ grant proposals and participate in the final presentations of their projects during a Student Showcase event at WMHS. According to Melissa Holmes, Co-President of WEF and chair person of the WEF grant review process, “the Engineering Design and Development grant was one of the most exciting and interactive projects WEF has supported. Not only did our support include funding, but it also involved collaboration with the instructors to teach students about grant writing as a way of supporting their creative ideas and solutions. It was a true partnership and a positive learning experience for students, their teachers and WEF.”
Science Curriculum Coordinator, Joanne Marks, was pleased with the success of this new engineering course: "We are so thrilled with the first year success of this senior capstone course and the real-life experiences students gained throughout the year. It is impressive to see the determination and creativity with which these students tackled complex challenges and showcased the importance of collaboration, critical thinking and effective communication. Congratulations to the students on their outstanding achievements and immense gratitude to teacher Catherine Cameron for her dedication and vision in leading this course and thank you to WEF for partnering with us to enhance this learning opportunity for our students.”
WEF supports enrichment activities like this through its annual grant process. To support the grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers including: WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar; the S.T.A.R.S. program, recognizing exemplary WPS staff; Chocolate Roses; and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has awarded over $480,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools district since 1989. Learn more by following WEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or at WEF01880.org.