Sailing into STEM is a hands-on educational program for middle school aged students. We incorporate many aspects of sailing into helping students understand math and science concepts. The programs are run as Outreach and Home School education programs. Home School Programs are now scheduled by request. (See below for scheduling information. )
Outreach
Our Outreach program runs throughout the year, in partnership with local community organizations. Many of the students that participate in our outreach programs test very poorly in the standardized testing. The published results show that typically only 36% are testing at grade level in 5th grade science. Our hands-on program not only helps them in developing the necessary math, science and reading skills they need, but it also helps them understand the need for these skills. We are able to open the doors of opportunity in careers in science, engineering, and technology.
We incorporate three forms of testing to monitor student performance and program effectiveness. At the beginning of the program, students complete a learning skills and education preference self-assessment and take a knowledge test. Throughout the program, instructors evaluate the students’ performance and interaction. At the end of the program, students again complete the self-assessment and take the knowledge test. We compile this data to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the students.
Sailing into STEM: Math and Physics
Our Sailing into STEM programs use the framework of sailing to teach STEM skills. first, students learn to physically measure using several tools, and then calculate area of triangles. Then, they learn and apply Pythagorean’s Theorem to calculate the missing side of a right triangle. Students design and build an anemometer to measure wind speed and learn to convert feet per second to miles per hour. While learning about density and buoyancy, students explore Archimedes’ Principle and how our 13,000lb boat can float. After learning and applying formulas to calculate the volume of various objects including cubes, cylinders and spheres, they weigh and calculate the density of the objects.
Sailing into STEM: Marine Biology
Have you ever wondered what lives in the harbor? Join us as we dive (not literally) into our marine environment and study the morphology and life cycle of several local species of marine life. We will incorporate hands-on collection of specimens, macro- and microscopic observation, environmental testing and data collection and recording.
Sailing into STEM: Wind and Power
How does the sailboat use the wind? How can it sail toward the wind? What are other ways we can harness power from the wind? How do we use electricity when we are away from the dock? During these sessions, we will find answers to these questions and more as we explore aerodynamic lift, wind turbine generators and direct current (DC) and batteries
Sailing into STEM: Environmental Science
Where does our weather come from? Why is there so much trash in our waters? How does that trash affect our water? What is on the sea floor? Come explore the oceans with us, or at least get a start in oceanography. Learn about our weather and clouds. Learn about marine debris sources and ways we can help remove it.
These are just a sampling of the lessons our Outreach Sailing into STEM students are able to participate in at no cost to them or the host organization. In order to continue offering these programs at not cost to organizations such as Christian Community Centers, we are looking for support from local businesses and organizations. We are in need of financial support as well as in kind donations of tools, materials and supplies for our program. Your support not only helps to improve the youth of the community, but also helps to develop potential quality employees. If your business or organization can help by supplying monetary support, products, or even volunteers to help us teach, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Homeschool
We schedule our Sailing into STEM for homeschool groups upon request. Sessions require a minimum of four students and have a maximum capacity of six. We offer courses in Math and Physics, Marine Biology, and Environmental Science. Please contact usfor more information.