Middle School Science and Engineering Expo

Providence School launched its Engineering Academy this school year, and it has proved to be a great success. Overseen by Mr. Rodney Meadth, this four-year high school program gives participants a broad experience in the various fields of engineering, with an emphasis on practical service and project-based learning.

In carrying out assignments with real-world applications, students designed an orphanage for partners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, taught a science lesson to younger students, and produced custom-designed 3D-printed educational items requested by the school's teachers. Examples of these include geometry volume demonstrations, chemistry molecular models, pyramids and ziggurats for elementary social studies, and even the Academy's own promotional USB drives. They also connected with professionals in the Santa Barbara area, including Moog Space and Defense Group, Praevium Research, and architect Jeff Shelton.

The science lesson taught to the 4th Grade earlier this year; the catapult will
feature again in a hands-on activity at the Science and Engineering Expo!

Engineering Academy students are acting as mentors for Providence's first Middle School Science and Engineering Expo. The Expo showcases a variety of hands-on demonstrations and exhibits, all relating to a theme of space exploration. Aimed at families with upper-elementary aged children and older, guests can interactively explore robotics, chemistry, navigation, interplanetary science, and more.

The Providence Science and Engineering Expo will be held at the school’s Upper Campus on 630 Canon Perdido Street on May 3, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Entry is free, refreshments will be served, and families with children are encouraged to attend.

Middle school students explore the theme of space exploration, coming up
with a conceptual design for a Mars habitat

"I'm excited to show people what we're doing with STEM here at Providence, because it's something unique," says Meadth, who is co-leading the Expo with the middle school science teacher, Nate Alker. "We have a strong engineering and science experience, from a Christian perspective, in the context of the liberal arts. This means that our students understand not only the 'how' of science, but also the ‘why'."

The Providence Engineering Academy is currently accepting applications for next year at all high school grade levels (9-12). Those interested should contact Rodney Meadth at rmeadth@providencesb.org. Browse this blog site to read more stories of projects undertaken and grants awarded and to download a copy of the application packet.