4CSCC Graphic courtesy of Duane Koyewana Arts.
Environmental & STEM Education
In the following snapshots, I showcase the collaborative work I’ve undertaken with the Four Corners Science and Computing Club (4CSCC). Together with a team of skilled developers, we’ve designed a prototype weather station utilizing Raspberry Pi Picos, with the intention of distributing numerous kits throughout the Four Corners region. This project has allowed me to illustrate how data sensors interact with the diverse environments of the great Four Corners/Northern Arizona. As part of this endeavor, we actively participate in STEM events, such as the AISES 2022 conference where 4CSCC hosted the AISES Hackathon. Our primary focus lies at the intersection of environmental awareness and STEM education, particularly within the state of Arizona.
One of our notable achievements is our commitment to environmental education. In the past year (2022-2023), we’ve had the privilege of engaging with over 300 K-12 students. By providing access to these sensors in schools across the Navajo Nation and Northern Arizona, we aim to instill an appreciation for our natural surroundings and their impact on the health of future generations. Additionally, we aspire to nurture the growth of STEM education, inspiring young minds to represent their tribes and fostering the development of tomorrow’s leaders.
Our Environmental and STEM Education sessions often commence with open discussions about the physical environment that surrounds us. Subsequently, we introduce our data sensors, enabling students to assemble our portable kits. By engaging them in hands-on activities using common household materials like hand sanitizer and chalk, we empower them to become budding scientists, encouraging curiosity and question-asking. Some of the common applications include monitoring sawdust and welding fumes, as well as exploring LED and data sensor interactions. Consider this remarkable machine – its portability and user-friendliness have certainly left a lasting impression.”
This revised text emphasizes the importance of the project’s educational aspects while maintaining clarity and coherence.
Revised: September 4, 2023
