PEF’s Ignite STEM summer program kicked off on July 1 in the sweetest of ways, with a project-based learning (PBL) baking activity! Students baked cupcakes, cookies, and icing from scratch, then engineered their own unique cupcake designs with edible decorations. Through the process, students discovered how measurement, chemical reactions, and states of matter play a role in baking, then explored marketing, production, and branding concepts – learning how science connects to real-world business.
Also during week 1, students constructed windmills for a renewable energy challenge and learned how wind turbines turn kinetic energy into electricity, as they tested their creations in Fairmount Park. Over the next few weeks, students will embark on immersive PBL activities covering STEM topics ranging from biotechnology, marine biology, structural engineering, and solar-powered robotics, with fun field trips planned to Fairmount Water Works and the Cira Green rooftop.
In addition to the weekly PBL projects, Ignite STEM incorporates professional development workshops and team building exercises, to help students develop essential life skills including financial literacy, teamwork, communication, while also exposing students to college & career readiness concepts.
Led by Tashanna Walker Ph.D., the program runs a full day on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through late August at the Philadelphia Business and Technology Center, with over 30 high school students (including three recent grads, who are heading to college in the fall!) enrolled this summer.
