08/28/13 Jefferson Elementary 3rd and 4th graders may likely say they want to be an engineer when they grow up after listening to Dr. Tahira Reid’s presentation at their school. Dr. Reid is a mechanical engineering professor from Purdue University. She shared her experience of designing a mechanical double-dutch jump rope machine. Her design was featured on NBC’s Today Show.
Dr. Reid told students that she had an idea from a game she played as a child and then created a prototype of double-dutch jump rope turning device in a college course at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
A study funded by the National Science Foundation will allow students to keep learning throughout the school year about the engineering process thorough a program from Purdue called SLED (Science Learning through Engineering Design).
Following her presentation, students were challenged to design a lifeguard chair while working in small groups. Dr. Reid explained throughout the process the importance of team work and conflict resolution.
She made presentations on August 23 to both Jefferson Elementary and Washington Academy.
Picture 2-Left to right (Karrissa Reese, Amaya Ameling, Lora Butler, Jadyn Beran, Kylie Bierly, Natalie Lewandowski)
Students started their first SLED project, to create a lifeguard chair in a group based on customer guidelines.
Carol Anders Correspondent
