3 Artifacts

1ST Artifacts: Reflective Journal: Reflection Number 2

Throughout the previous 50 hours of my internship, I connected meaningfully with kids and applied my learning objectives in real-world circumstances. Working with ninth and tenth graders during a buoyancy and boat design session was one of the most rewarding experiences. We investigated buoyancy principles to learn how cargo-carrying ships stay afloat. This hands-on activity tested students’ critical thinking abilities by replicating a real-world scenario in which they had to reply to a shipping company’s request to increase its fleet. I assisted the process by walking them through numerous boat designs and evaluating them for carrying capacity, efficiency, steering, and stability. This event showed me how interactive learning can make complicated subjects more accessible and enjoyable for students.

This session’s highlight was teaching students how to utilize Tinkercad to create and 3D print their boat models. I was pleased by the kids’ inventiveness and problem-solving skills as they satisfied the design criteria of the assignment. It was exciting to watch them iterate on their concepts and get a better grasp of how theoretical principles relate to real-world applications. It also underlined the need to incorporate technology into educational experiences, which was a crucial lesson for me in terms of meeting my learning objectives.

In terms of personal growth, I have gained confidence in teaching technical skills and leading big group activities. Teaching students how to use design software necessitated clear and succinct explanations, and I found myself improving my communication approach to make it more successful. I also learned to adjust fast while addressing technical difficulties with the 3D printers, which will undoubtedly benefit me in future iLab sessions. While handling the logistics of event setup and cleaning remains difficult, I have devised more effective methods of organizing these duties to enable seamless transitions between activities.

This event also gave me significant insights into teamwork and collaboration. Working collaboratively with other team members to guarantee the success of the workshops taught me the value of effective communication and task delegation. This was especially noticeable while arranging the event’s logistics, which required precise scheduling and coordination to ensure a smooth experience. Moving ahead, I hope to use these collaborative skills to create new activities for future sessions that mix creativity with technical understanding.

Overall, the last 50 hours have been a period of development, not just for my technical abilities but also for my capacity to communicate and interact more effectively. I have made tremendous progress toward my learning goals by taking on more tasks and delving deeper into educational technologies. I am excited to continue honing these talents and making meaningful contributions to future iLab initiatives.

In conclusion, this internship has given me tremendous practical experience and personal growth. I was able to immediately use the techniques I learned while conquering obstacles and commenting on my development. Moving forward, I plan to polish my teaching methods, improve my technical abilities, and create unique activities that excite students and contribute to the success of the iLab programs.

2ND Artifacts: Reflective Journal: Reflection Number 3

As I approach 50 hours in my Program Assistant position, I reflect on the numerous experiences and learning opportunities I have had. One of the most memorable events of this period was our participation in the Maritime Career Festival at the Mariner’s Museum in Newport News. This program, in collaboration with the Propeller Clubs of Norfolk and Newport News, sought to educate the public about employment options in the marine sector. Participating in this event will be a rewarding experience, both in terms of hands-on involvement and personal growth.

During the festival, I will be responsible for setting up various exhibits and stations to assist guests learn and connect. This will help me grasp the logistics of event management, such as making sure supplies, equipment, and resources are accessible to successfully engage the audience. I will also assist community members during the event by explaining different displays and answering questions. Interacting with both younger and older audiences taught me a greater awareness of how the material may be adapted to different age groups and degrees of knowledge with marine themes.

What I believe will stand out the most is the marine industry’s diversity. From engineering and environmental tasks to logistics and shipbuilding, the festival will introduce me to a diverse range of employment opportunities in the industry. As a Program Assistant, I will be able to learn more about the equipment used in the iLab, as well as how it might be implemented in nautical situations. This hands-on learning will help me link the practical skills I am gaining to real-world applications, particularly those involving technology and problem-solving. 

One of my learning goals for this internship is to become adept in using Makerspace equipment for educational activities. The festival will give an excellent opportunity to practice these abilities in a public environment. Setting up equipment and showing its usage to visitors will help me gain confidence in my technical abilities, particularly when explaining procedures to non-technical audiences.

Another significant goal was to create new activities for K-12 students, and this event will help me brainstorm ways to incorporate maritime-related topics into future classes. Observing how students and families interacted with the exhibits will inspire future Makerspace workshops in which I may incorporate marine technology and career exploration into hands-on activities. For example, utilizing 3D printing to create small ships or teaching kids the fundamentals of buoyancy through interactive challenges might be effective methods to connect our usual creative activities to the marine area.

To summarize, the previous 50 hours of my internship have given me several learning opportunities, notably through our participation in the Maritime Career Festival. It will allow me to obtain practical event management experience, strengthen my technical and communication abilities, and move closer to completing my learning objectives. The experience has fueled my enthusiasm for hands-on teaching, and I eagerly anticipate continuing my work at the iLab, designing more creative and effective activities for K-12 children. As I move forward, I hope to improve my ability to effectively convey technical concepts and include real-world applications in our projects.

3RD Artifacts: Reflective Journal: Reflection Number 5

The recent STEM Day at the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab was a highlight of my internship. With over 1,000 people, this large-scale event presented a wonderful opportunity to interact with families, encourage STEM learning, and deal with logistical problems. My responsibilities began with aiding families with their sign-in process. Ensuring that waivers were signed efficiently with iPads and QR codes allowed the event to operate smoothly and set a friendly tone for participants. Following that, I assisted with distributing robots, equipment, and necessary supplies such as tape, scissors, and clipboards. Each child was issued a robot, and a brief demonstration of how to use the equipment assured that children could confidently participate in the activities.

Throughout the event, I moved between stations, helping families complete challenges with their robots. These challenges encouraged creative problem-solving and teamwork, and my role entailed troubleshooting, answering questions, and ensuring that participants had a pleasant experience. Managing the limited number of robots requires careful coordination to ensure a seamless changeover as families finished their tasks and returned the gadgets.

The experience underscored the significance of clear communication, adaptability, and teamwork in managing large crowds. Photographs taken throughout the day showcased attendees’ passion and engagement, providing a vital record of the event’s success. Overall, STEM Day demonstrated the importance of hands-on STEM education in encouraging curiosity and creativity in learners. My involvement honed my event organizing and community interaction abilities while also increasing my respect for STEM outreach’s transformative potential. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to making STEM more accessible and engaging to a wide range of audiences.