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Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Science Edition

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Kathryn deBros December 23, 2014

Learning doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. Supplement your child’s knowledge with these activities to make science more scintillating for her.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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The kids who are successful in school are those who remain curious even after the last bell rings, who notice the world around them, and who make connections between subjects and ideas. There are millions of ways to keep minds of all ages active and engaged outside the classroom.

The following article is part of a Noodle series about how to integrate learning into everyday life in order to instill a love of knowledge in your kids.

The Science Edition

Science is characterized by a list of habits — questioning, observing, measuring, predicting, experimenting, recording, and repeating as needed. These are habits that nurture critical thinking{:target="_blank"}, and they can be practiced in just about any environment, including at home. Kids are naturally curious — they don’t usually need much convincing to investigate. Use these activities to get your kids posing the question, “What happens if…" — and then formulating and testing their hypotheses.

# Plant a garden.

You don’t have to be a farmer to transform seeds magically into food or flowers. There are plenty of resources on container gardening that you can explore. For example, you can put fast-growing radish seeds into a tin can full of dirt on your windowsill and observe. Try planting a few different containers, and see what happens if you put them in sun or in shade, or if you give them water or leave them to dry. Experiment with different kinds of soil — dirt from the backyard, peat moss, and planting mix. If you want a project that's a little more challenging, try planting a pizza-themed garden with tomatoes, basil, and oregano.

# Cook.

Books like The Science Chef ask and answer questions like: Why does popcorn pop? Why does bread rise? Why does cream turn into butter?

Baking is one big, edible chemistry experiment — especially for those of us who often stray from the recipe. Cooking with veggies can reinforce what you know about plants, and any cooking experiment can become an exploration of nutrition as well.

# Go on hikes or neighborhood nature walks.

As you are surrounded by the great outdoors, explore ideas related to biology: Which plants are edible? Why do leaves change color? What happens to the leaves on the ground? Talk about photosynthesis and the process of decomposition. Look for animal tracks. For older kids, you can also discuss wilderness survival and environmentalism on these expeditions.

# Track weather.

Weather is a science that affects everybody — and one that any little scientist can investigate. Make your own weather station. Record what you see every day with your child in a weather journal. Make forecasts based on your data.

The National Ocean Service provides wonderful instructions on building a weather station at home, an activity that will appeal to older kids and teens. Younger kids may stick to observing the temperature, drawing a picture of the weather, and building and observing a basic barometer.

# Make things together.

PBS Design Squad challenges kids to build things, and invites them to improvise and adapt their projects to find new solutions. The website also allows them to share what they make, play games, and watch videos that will further engage young engineering minds. There are activities that could appeal to nearly every age, but the site particularly suits those who are 8–12 years old.

Other building options could include LEGOs and GoldieBlox, an engineering toy designed especially for girls. You can also find some great toys that encourage design and architecture in this article.

For a wealth of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) resources, check out the South Brunswick School District's wonderful list.

# Read science books.

Find engaging non-fiction books about robots, dinosaurs, and black holes — or read fictional books about astronauts, doctors, and engineers to inspire your kids. You can find suggestions on a wonderful reading list from the National Science Teachers Association.

For more at-home science activities and experiments, check out the Science is Fun site.

Want more ideas on how to cultivate a love of learning in your child? Check out the other parts of this series:

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Civics Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Geography Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The History Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Language Arts Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Music Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Math Edition

Sneak Learning Into Everyday Life: The Nutrition Edition

Sneak Learning into Everyday Life: The Visual Arts Edition