SPARK

What is SPARK?

SPARK [Science Partnerships and Resources for Kids] is an OSU-Gladden House partnership. The program consists of a series of interactive, inquiry-based 60-minute activities for 5th grade students to explore renewable energy (energy storage, conversion, harvesting) and integrate social and emotional learning with OSU student mentors studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The mentorship and materials science activities aim to highlight engagement, partnership with community members, establish trust, and collaboration.

Our Community Partner: Gladden House [http://gladdenhouse.org/]

Gladden House is a non-profit settlement house serving Franklinton and its surrounding neighborhoods that provides academic support for individuals, families, and groups.

Our OSU Partner: Society of Women Engineers [https://swe.engineering.osu.edu/]

“SWE is an international organization focused on stimulating women to achieve their full potential in their careers as engineers and leaders. Ohio State’s section of SWE is devoted on providing professional and social events to prepare students for the next step in their lives.”

Student Mentors:

The role of the mentor in this program is to be a reliable science mentor to a group of 5th grade students. There is a curriculum of materials science activities that we will run through at each of these sessions. Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with materials concepts or materials science in general, we will go over the itinerary with you before each event! It is mainly important that the students have recognizable, and enthusiastic mentors. The dates for the 2018-2019 program are listed below (Fridays, 4:30pm-5:30pm with 30-minute buffer windows before/after for transportation).

Materials Discovery 2018-10

Building Electric Vehicles 2018-11

Constructing Gel Batteries 2019-02

Semiconductor Art 2019-03

2019-04 STEAM Factory