News
December 5th , 2012
Engaging students in science, technology, engineering and math
Idaho Future Cities is a program that seeks to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through hands-on modeling activities, mentoring, presentations, essay writing, and competition, 6th-8th grade students discover the world of engineering.
Kurt Norrell is a volunteer mentor for the program, working with students on this year’s competition to “imagine and design new and creative ways to manage stormwater runoff”. Participating students work with an educator and volunteer mentor to research and write solutions to stormwater runoff; design a virtual Future City model incorporating their ideas; build a physical scale model using recycled materials; and present their ideas and models to competition judges. As each team addresses its stormwater runoff solutions, students consider the safety, cost, efficiency and appearance of their ideas. They will also learn about the engineering disciplines that encompass their solutions, including learning and identifying the steps of the design process.
To learn more about the program, or find ways to help, please visit www.futurecityidaho.org.
