SCI Blog

STEM learning can come from a variety of places. In this summer’s Vet Tech camps for third and fourth graders, it came from Chubby, a brown-and-white guinea pig who doubles as a cute, cuddly example of genetics in action.

“What do you think her parents might have looked like?” asked SCI Programs Coordinator Bridgett Harvey.

Using the guinea pig as an example, campers completed Punnett Squares for Chubby’s fur color, softness and more. In between exclamations of “Awwww!” and, “We love you, Chubby!” students explored phenotypes and genotypes, as well as proper pet care.

Harvey said Chubby exemplifies the hands-on experiences that are at the core of SCI Summer Camps.

“Chubby brings a real-life example of what campers are learning about with Punnett Squares in the Vet Tech camp,” she said. “They can see her different colors and fur types and relate those to dominant and recessive traits.”

In addition to helping teach genetics, the Vet Tech campers’ beloved pet also exemplifies real-life resilience.

Abandoned in a dumpster, Chubby was surrendered to a local Animal Rescue League for rehabilitation, where she was then adopted by Bridgett.

“Chubby has an incredible story and charming personality that campers love,” Harvey said. “She is also a good role model for responsibility with pet care, which is an important message to campers.”

We ended our final Iowa Maker Tweet-Up of the summer on a sweet note… featuring cooking studios, die-cut chocolate, 3-D printed treats and more! Our final #iamakerchat of the season focused on Making in Iowa and how local Makers can collaborate to develop the state’s innovation ecosystem.

Here are a few of our favorite tweets from Tuesday’s conversation:

First, we brainstormed ways to invite new Makers to join the movement while supporting Iowa’s existing Maker community.

How can we show the world that everyone is a Maker? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

Programs like yours, and make sure we keep bringing people into the conversation from different backgrounds. #iamakerchat -@Area515DSM

How can Makers support Makers as we work to develop Iowa’s innovation ecosystem? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

SHARE. And then share some more. Go to a Maker Space or your library or a meetup or your existing clubs and SHARE. #iamakerchat -@Area515DSM

We brainstormed how Maker Faires can better serve the local Maker community and inspire new Makers.

What role do Maker Faires play in developing Maker culture/bringing it to pop culture? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

That whole “not connected” thing. That’s what they could be doing. Also, inspiring the young’uns. #iamakerchat -@Area515DSM

Then, high-tech cuisine came up…

How do we encourage Makers to collaborate on new ideas? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

We’d also like to have some like-minded neighbors. We can’t be the entire village, e.g., a cooking studio would be GREAT! #iamakerchat -@Area515DSM

Food art/cooking is a key part of Making, but it’s often left out of the discussion. How do we bring that to light? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

But those ties are happening! They’re just not as obvious as wearables, for instance. But hey, 3-D printed food! #iamakerchat -@Area515DSM

Finally, we said farewell to an inspiring summer of tweet-ups with this question:

How would you describe the Maker movement in one sentence (or two)? #iamakerchat -@SCIOWA

Making something will almost always involve learning something. Might be something different than you expected as well! #iamakerchat -@MichaelELandon

It’s about us reclaiming our confidence as producers and agents of change in our lives. (And making cool stuff.) #iamakerchat -@Area515DSM

Join us next summer!

Thanks for following along and joining in the Iowa Maker conversation! Stay tuned in June 2016 for another summer of #iamakerchat, featuring new topics, new technology and new ways to expand your Maker mindset!