This month MeritCorp Group, LLC went back to School! Across the nation there has been a recent
push in the education system to encourage students to embrace Math, Science and
Technology learning. Many schools,
including the Oswego School system, are reaching out with programs like
‘Project Lead the Way’ and with community events like the recent Science Night
put on by P.A.C.E. [Parents and Community for Excellence].
MeritCorp Group was proud to participate in this fun evening
focused on encouraging young students with activities focused on scientific
principals related to Civil Engineering and Surveying.
The objective of the Science night was to provide an
interactive experience for kids that would help them to learn about Civil
Engineering and Land Surveying. While
the sometimes technical world of a Civil Engineer may go over the heads of
kids, our staff stepped up to the challenge with three fun hands-on activities
that anyone could relate to and learn from.
The first activity was focused on Civil Engineering. Using a simplified design, we showed the kids
how to filter water with sand similar to what would be done in a large
industrial sand filter. The kids were
able to create a small filter using a 2-liter bottle, cotton balls, small
aggregate (rocks) and sand. For
the ‘dirty’ water we used glitter with water.
This made it easy for the kids to see how the sand filters out solids. Then as they poured the water back thru the
filter a second (or third) time they could see how the fine particles would
come out cleaner on the other side.
The second activity included a land surveying construction
level. It was set up for the kids to
look thru and see an object across the room.
They enjoyed the ability to focus and see the tiny plaque on the bottom
of a picture of George Washington. Our
goal was to show kids the resolution capabilities of the instrument and then
explain how it is used by a surveyor to set and obtain elevations of roads,
buildings and other structures.
The third activity was focused more on problem solving,
something a Civil Engineer has to do every day.
The problem presented was how to use a single sheet of paper to support
heavy books at least 2 ½ inches off of the table. They were allowed to use scissors, tape, and
a ruler. Amazingly, the kids stepped up
to the challenge and figured out ways to create columns to support their
impromptu ‘structures’.
The staff at MeritCorp had a fun evening of interacting with
potential future engineers and surveyors.
With over 600 attendees, it was a busy 2 ½ hours. We hope that the excitement of the evening
will encourage future problem solvers to continue pursuing knowledge in the
Science, Math, and Technology fields.
“PACE Science Night was a great success thanks to all the support from
presenters throughout the community, the volunteers, and everyone at Oswego
High School! Over 600 guests of all ages
enjoyed presentations and activities at over 50 tables.”
– Jessica Byrne (PACE
Representative) www.pace308.org
For parents interested in doing the water filter
or even more fun activities to do with their kids visit: PBSkids.org
For more information
on MeritCorp Group, LLC and how we can put our hands-on problem solving to work
for you visit www.meritcorp.com
