And That’s A Wrap! Summer Meetings End, New Wonder Begins!

Cohort 3 is here and kickin!  Fifty new fellows have gathered, conversed and even grappled in a few new experiences during our face-to-face summer meetings.  These meetings were two weeks long and totally action packed!  What does a typical #MSUrbanSTEM gathering look like?  Well, here’s a tiny glimpse…

Quickfires are a staple in almost any #MSUrbanSTEM showdown.  This was a new experience for most members of our 2016/2017 cohort.  A few shared that the Quickfires were very intense and a bit stressful at times, but overall-one of their most powerful learning experiences.

A Creation Station was also nearby.  Completely stocked with Play-Doh, pipe cleaners, construction paper, tape and all sorts of tools for creating.  These materials were used throughout the two weeks for various hands-on “maker” activities.  For example, our fellows used the materials to build a representation of what STEM means to them.  The materials were also used to create masks and musical instruments. “I hope we get to do this all day long,”  Ladd Perina was heard saying while creating a mask to begin Day 4.  Even big kids like to play!

Have you ever wondered why some people sneeze consecutively?  Have you ever wondered what a Jackfruit taste like?  World of Wonder moments were shared daily.  Each day, a designated team was responsible for sharing a “World of Wonder” thought.  This activity inspired all of us to take a closer look at the world around us and…constantly wonder!   Our groups also offered a daily Tech Tip.

As the cohort embarked on their new adventure, members of our previous cohort offered some valuable words of wisdom.  Kyle Radcliffe from Cohort 2 tweeted, “Your foundation will make or break you.  Plan well in the summer.”   Andrew Stricker, also a member of Cohort 2, offered his advice, “Put on a hard hat.  Your practice will be under construction for the next year.”   Our cohort is off to a great start.   ImagineIT projects are taking shape, deep-play groups are working together and we’ve all began to question and learn from one another.

When asked about Day 1 of the summer meetings, Rohit Mehta (instructor) expressed that the day was, “Invigorating, because it was a pleasant refresher of why we do what we do.”  We’d like to welcome our third #MSUrbanSTEM cohort!  It’s going to be a WONDER-ful year!