Scientists inspiring a new generation of problem-solvers.
The UF Solar Gators are sharing their engineering expertise in Solar Car design with the 21st Century after-school clubs at Lincoln and Westwood Middle Schools. In preparation for designing their own model solar cars, students are learning about electrical circuits, solar panels, batteries, gears, and more. In prior years the UF Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the UF Engineers for Sustainability brought engineering design to the clubs to help students design and build small models of an alternative energy house and energy efficient bird houses that were hung at their schools. See Solar Gators in action!
Shreya Pathak, an Eastside High School (EHS) student and HOG-mentored volunteer, coordinates the STEM-for Youth program at the Tower Road Library. Shreya and members of the EHS Science National Honor Society bring monthly hands on science activities to kids in the Tower Road area. Click on Shreya’s picture to see their program in action!
Hands On Gainesville is creating problem solvers in the Eastside community as we explore science in the sites around Gainesville. Using hands on learning activities students connect science concepts to the real world right in their own community by learning-while-doing and then linking the activity to a site where they can see the science in action. We partner with volunteers from STEM-FY at Eastside HS and various UF outreach organizations as we support the Eastside Arts Coalition’s after-school program at the Cone Park Library. Click these links to view some of the monthly activities. Making a monochord Making a solar night light
Every April elementary, middle, and high school students test and improve uniquely designed solar cars, solar cookers, and energy-efficient critter condos at the North Florida Energy Whiz Expo. Those interested may take their designs to state level competition at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, FL.
Hands On Gainesville partners with the Alachua County Public Schools, the Florida Solar Energy Center, and multiple university engineering clubs. We will have even more partners joining us in 2019!
Hands On Gainesville, University of Florida (UF) Solar Gators, UF Chemistry Outreach, and UF Society of Women Engineers are mentoring P.K Yonge High School students as they prepare for the Regional Science Olympiad to be held at UF on January 19th, 2019. The High School students are competing in 23 different science and technology categories. For more on the Olympiad, click here.
