STEM Academy Virtual After School

Virtual After SchoolSTEM AcademyVolunteer TrainingSpring 2021

THANK YOU forVolunteering!

Our MissionWashington Alliance for Better Schools is a collaborative ofschool districts that leverages resources, talent, andintellectual capital to help a quarter million studentsgraduate career and college ready.

Program Goals High-quality, no-cost, virtual STEM activities to keepkids engaged in STEM learning Provide students with the opportunity to workdirectly with STEM industry professionals Help students develop 21st Century skills andknowledge of careers & career pathways

21st Century Skills CommunicationCollaborationCreativityCritical Thinking

About STEM Learning Adults guide, instead of giving answers Encourage learners to try their own ideas to questions.(Even if you know it won’t work!) Remind everyone that STEM activities are more about theprocess than the results There is no right answer! Chances are, there are severalways to reach a solution Have Fun!

RolesIndustry Volunteers:Facilitators Facilitate the hands-onactivityShare connection to yourown job experienceSupport student learningTeacher Hosts:Session Manager Organize the virtualclassroom Support volunteers withtimekeeping, muting &unmuting, breakout rooms Help address behavior ortechnical issues if they arise

Participants 15-24 students in grades 3-5 or grades 6-8 Students will each have a materials kit and studentjournal

CurriculumTo the Rescue:Aid Drop PackagesShake Things Up:Earthquake Resistant BuildingsStudents learn about how aid droppackages are used in areasimpacted by a natural disaster andwork to engineer the componentsincluding the parachute, protectivepackaging, and labels. Studentswill build and test their designsusing everyday materials.Students will engineer modelbuildings that areearthquake-resistant. They’ll alsodevelop building codes that helpothers build earthquake-resistantstructures. Students will build andtest their designs using everydaymaterials.

Preparing for the Session Read the Facilitator Guide & Adventure Slides Practice the activity, as necessary Think about where you can make connectionsbetween the activity and your own work,experience, or education Connect with your volunteer partner Connect with your teacher host

Connect with Volunteer Partner Determine how you want to split tasks Who will lead each session? Identify who will share the Adventure Slidepresentation, and share any activity documentsor websites Do you already know that you will have ascheduling conflict for a specific week? Arrange to have at least one volunteer at thesession.

Connect with Teacher Host Confirm the schedule & curriculum Check in about background check requirements Share what type of device you will use for yoursessions Determine who will present the Adventure Slidesduring the session

Connect with Teacher Host Ask about the video conferencing platform (Zoom,Microsoft Teams), and if there are any tips Download the application for your platform, ifpossible. It is often easier than using the webbrowser. Make sure you have the virtual classroom linkbefore the first session

Video Capabilities Some devices are not video-enabledFind a device that will allow you to join via videoIf video isn’t possible, please add a profile pictureNote: from a phone, it is challenging to see allparticipants, particularly when there is a screen share

What Should You Share? Students are interested in learning what you actually doeveryday! What do you do? How did you get there? What degree or certification doyou have? What did you like to learn about in school that led toyour job? What do you like about your job? Do you have time off? What is the most innovative thing you have gotten to doin your career?

Resources Facilitator GuidePowerPoint PresentationsMaterials KitFacilitation Tips HandoutFiles are located at www.wabsalliance.orgEngaged Students After School STEM Academy Volunteers Link under Spring Session Resources

Thank you!Your teacher hosts are there to support you. If you needadditional assistance or something isn’t working, pleasecontact us!Grace Schouten: grace@wabsalliance.orgApril Nilsen: april@wabsalliance.org

Earthquake Resistant Buildings Students will engineer model buildings that are earthquake-resistant. They’ll also develop building codes that help others build earthquake-resistant structures. Students will build and test their designs using everyday materials.