How to Keep Kids Interested in Science
This study investigates the declining interest in science among elementary students and aims to identify teaching methods and classroom environments that sustain student engagement. Using an ethnographic approach, the research combines classroom observations, educator interviews, and student feedback to uncover best practices for fostering scientific curiosity. Key findings highlight the importance of hands-on activities, inclusive teaching strategies, and adaptable classroom environments. The study offers valuable insights into enhancing science education and promoting long-term interest in STEM fields among young learners.
Research Papers
Designing Sustainable Schools for Sierra Leone
This project focuses on designing sustainable schools in Masiaka, Sierra Leone, to improve educational access while addressing local environmental and social needs. Through climate analysis, materials testing, and simulations, the team developed a design that balances thermal comfort, daylighting, and ventilation using locally sourced compressed earth blocks. The design fosters community engagement and respects cultural contexts. This comprehensive approach highlights the potential of sustainable architecture to transform educational outcomes in underserved regions.
Dear Diary: Quick and Easy Journaling with Alexa
"Dear Diary" is an Alexa skill designed to make journaling accessible and efficient for users with busy lifestyles. By facilitating five-minute voice-command sessions, the application promotes mindfulness and stress management. Features include personalized prompts, data retention for future interactions, and weekly summaries to enhance user reflection. Usability testing identified challenges with conversational nuances and timing, leading to design refinements. The project demonstrates the potential of voice-activated technology in fostering self-care habits.
The Ideal Glass Angle When Pouring A Beer
An average of 5% of every beer poured is foam, however, the angle at which one holds the glass while pouring a beer can significantly reduce the amount of foam produced. To determine the optimal glass angle to reduce foam height, the glass angle was incrementally changed, and the resulting foam height was measured. The 55° glass angle resulted in the least foam with a height of 4.48 ± 0.20 cm which was 15% less than the next closest angle (50°) and 59% less than a 90° glass angle. 55° also proved to have the fastest foam depletion rate with 0.090 ± 0.024 cm/s which has nearly twice the depletion rate for 90°. The optimal glass angle, to both reduce foam height and to ensure the foam dissipates the quickest, is 55°.
Improving Transportation in Boston for Everyone
This memo examines Boston's transportation system through a human-technical-environmental framework, addressing public transportation, car usage, biking, and walking. It identifies key challenges, including inequitable access, environmental impact, and system inefficiencies. Recommendations focus on enhancing public transit reliability, promoting electric vehicles and car-sharing, and improving biking and walking infrastructure. By analyzing these components, the memo aims to provide actionable strategies for creating a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation network in Boston.