Think Like A Scientist

Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of nano-textured, functional glass that resists fogging, virtually eliminates glare, and self-cleans. MIT researchers Kyoo-Chal Park, Hyungiyul Choi and colleagues looked at nature for their idea, specifically the Zebra plant. The Zebra plant contains conical structures that repel water. The MIT researchers developed a method to embed an array of steeply angled cones on the surface of glass. The material can be used for anything from solar panels to future car windshields, and gadgets with screens. For more information about the latest use of biomimicry check out the Popular Science article by Rebecca Boyle here.

All individuals are born with innate curiosity which fuels their creative juices. Unfortunately, traditional educational practices have stifled creativity for decades, and will continue to do so. I believe science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education practices has the ability to revive creativity in students of all ages. STEM education practices promote curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and communication among its learners. It’s “ok” to not have the “right answer”, there could be many “right answers and/or solutions to the problem.”

A major component of the engineering design process, widely used in STEM education is the “re-design” process. Whereby individual(s) can re-design their model after testing. It may take a half-dozen “re-designs” to get the model working to its greatest capacity. Imagine the learning that takes place during the design, test, and re-design process. Individuals are allowed and encouraged to be creative. When students of all ages are forced to really think about a problem and find a solution(s) to the problem this is what real learning and growth is all about vs. the ability to ace regional and national standardized tests. For information about the STEM teacher training workshops I conduct nation and world wide check out drdianateachertraining.com.

Check out Ken Robinson’s video Does School Kill Creativity? It’s one of my favorite videos.