Interactive S.T.E.M. Experience! (Virtual)

Virtual Interactive S.T.E.M. Experience with Ava the S.T.E.M. Princess®!

Through interactions with Ava N. Simmons aka Ava the S.T.E.M. Princess®, and her team (includes 1-5 adults (with at least 1 S.T.E.M. professional, see bio: linkedin.com/in/titasimmons)), we combine fun and creativity to help others learn and understand basic S.T.E.M. principles, entrepreneurship, how it impacts the world, and reinforce the message of not letting your challenges define your future!  The following are our 5 offerings tailored to grades PreK-8:

1.  Interactive Youth Author Reading Experience

Ava N. Simmons will speak to peers and share her story of how she overcame her academic and social challenges using S.T.E.M. activities, sharing, and working with others. Depending on the requester’s agenda, Ava will read pages from her book, “Ava Discovers Her Inner Genius Using S.T.E.M.). From this experience, children will understand from a peer how everyone is unique, talented, and has an inner Genius that can help them progress in their life skills. Additionally, hard work and working with others can help them succeed, and that they should never let challenges define their future.

 2. Interactive Youth Entrepreneurship Experience

Interactive session discussing the development of a youth-led business with Ava N, Simmons aka Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess® Using a PowerPoint presentation Ava will share how to develop a new product/service and the 5-key areas for making a business plan.  Ava will also share products she has developed (e.g. lab coats, experiment kits, jewelry, lip gloss).  From this experience, children will engage in fun while learning, gain an increased understanding of basic principles of youth entrepreneurship and financial literacy, be encouraged to think outside of the box about products/services that may help others, how they can market it for sale to others.

 3.  Interactive Book Author and Publishing Experience

Interactive session on book creation and publishing with self-published book author Ava N. Simmons aka Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess®.  Using a PowerPoint presentation Ava will share her personal story and via a PowerPoint presentation the 5-steps to being a self-published author.  Additionally, using a Book Author Creation Workbook, participants will develop their first book pages.  From this workshop, children will gain knowledge of the book publishing process, be encouraged to identify their unique talents, how they can use these talents to positively impact the world, and be assisted with publishing their very own book via a Book Author Creation Workbook.  The Workbook is entitled “The Science of Being a Children’s Book Author, Book Creation Workbook” by Author Ava N. Simmons. The Science of Being a Children’s Book Author Workbook is required for this Interactive session.

 4.  Interactive Youth S.T.E.M. Experience

Interactive session conducting an interactive S.T.E.M. experiment with Ava N. Simmons aka Ava The S.T.E.M. Princess® and 1-5 adult S.T.E.M. assistants (i.e. S.T.E.M. Professionals; linkedin.com/in/titasimmons). Ava will conduct an experiment with ALL participants step-by-step and explain the experiment outcomes. From this experience, children will engage in fun while learning, gain an increased understanding of basic S.T.E.M. principles as they apply to their day-to-day activities and learn about S.T.E.M.s positive impact on critical thinking, math, and literacy.  All S.T.E.M. experiments use household items (e.g. vinegar, baking soda, food coloring, miniature wires, miniature motors).  All participants that complete an experiment will receive a disposable lab coat, safety glasses, nitrile latex free gloves, a sticker sheet, and Team Genius Squad Certified Genius badge.   S.T.E.M. Kits are not included and require an additional fee.

There are 6 TYPES of experiments available to conduct with participants:

 Acid-Base Reaction: Children will observe the acid-base reaction that produces gas trapped in detergent bubbles to create oozy foam and make their add-ins come to life.  Experiment includes vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, food coloring, add-ins (e.g. foam balls, glitter)

1. Lemon Electricity/Battery: Children will observe the reaction of metal, and the acid from lemons generate an electrical current with enough power to illuminate a miniature light bulb. The experiment includes miniature wires (alligator clip wires can be used), copper and zinc metal strips, miniature light bulb.  Lemons needed and not included.
2. Wind Power Electricity: Children will observe the reaction of wind power via a turning fan that charges copper wire and converts it to energy. This produces an electrical current with enough power to illuminate a miniature light bulb.  Experiment includes mini plastic fan, wood stand, miniature wires, copper wire, zip tie, miniature light bulb.
3. Solar Power Electricity: Children will observe the reaction of solar power from the sun converting to energy. The sun produces energy via a mini solar panel that generates and electrical current with enough power to start a mini motor that then drives a fan to spin.  The experiment includes a 2x2 inch solar panel, mini plastic fan, plastic stand, mini motor, and miniature wires.
4. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Lamp: Children will build their own working lamp out of basic household items. The connection of wires and wood to a power source demonstrates how everyday household items are built and connected to power sources. Experiment includes wood pieces, glue sticky patches, copper wire, zip tie, miniature lightbulb, and a battery connector. 2 AA Batteries needed and not included.
5. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Slime: Children will observe the reaction of glue (i.e., long chain polymer) bonding with other household items to make a gooey spongy fun to play with slime. The experiment includes water-based school glue, shaving cream, eye contact solution, baking soda, food coloring, and fun add-ins (e.g. foam balls, glitter).