Hardware Science utilizes every day items from the hardware store – some of which people already have at home – to engage kids in learning basic science skills in a hands-on manner. Kids will learn skills such as measuring, angles, air pressure, analyzing, predicting, etc. through the Hardware Science program.
What niche does Hardware Science fulfill?
In recent years there has been an urgency for our nation’s students to be science literate, then seek STEM-related occupations. According to the Department of Commerce, Science and STEM occupations have increased at a faster rate (17.8%) than other occupations (9.8% increase). STEM education and STEM-related activities create critical thinkers, increases science literacy and enables the next generation of innovators.
Hardware Science aims to supplement the efforts of the local community’s school system. Hardware Science Workshops engages kids with a “fun first” approach and mixes in basic science skills.
What is the target audience?
The primary Hardware Science target audience is the 4th - 6th grade group. This is a good target to start with as research states their skills, abilities and experiences are mature enough to begin understanding the different sciences. It is suggested that 4th grade is one of the “trending points” in a child’s life and specifically:
- Attention span
- Skill and Abilities
- Knowledge and Experience
However, the workshop activities can be modified or “scaled” down for younger audiences. There are suggested ways to accomplish later in this document.
Hardware Science Presenters
A key component to bring Hardware Science into communities are the Hardware Science Presenters (HSP). HSP’s host various forms of workshops within their communities. HSP’s have a passion for communicating first and foremost! Being a “scientist” or “science expert” is not necessary. Hardware Science activities focus on fun first – the kids just happen to learn every day basic science skills and concepts!
Hardware Science Workshops can range from 3 – 99 kids! The HSP decides the size and format for the workshop(s).
This Hardware Science Workshop Guide will provide potential HSP’s with a guide and many, may tips on how to get started running community workshops. For the purposes of this guide, the age group focus will be for the 4th grade level.
This guide will also refer to the HSP as “you” from this point forward. Lastly, this guide will help focus in on these skills you already possess.
A typical Hardware Science workshop has 4 components:
- Brainstorming
- Preparation/Advertising
- Workshop
- Assessment
Brainstorming
Some questions to ask yourself prior to jumping in:
- Do I see a need for this style of workshop in my community?
- Do I already know of any others providing this style of workshop? Do a basic Google search for events or activities in your area. Look for local Maker groups or Children Centers.
- What social groups do I belong to? What community or parent groups do I belong to or know others that are active within these groups?
Your existing networks are a vital key to introducing Hardware Science Workshops. Begin by building a list of contacts within your network that may be interested in hearing your ideas or may have a potential desire to host a Hardware Science workshop at their school or club.
Looking beyond your network, you can contact organizations or programs in and around your community that focuses on students and families.
TIP: Working with/through the Department of Education (DOE) system is not the only option. The DOE can have restrictions and a limited budget and this can be frustrating when starting up. Think of organizations that “satellite” the existing school system. These organizations are not required to follow the latest learning standards like schools do. They are also required to coordinate child-centered events and will welcome content providers.
Preparation
Create a list of contacts to reach out to within the first group you decide to focus on. This can be a name from your contact list or the organization’s general “Contact Us” email. Set this aside for now.
It is time to determine the type of workshop and basic information you would like to present. For the purposes of this Guide, we will use the PVC Rocket Launcher as an example.
Base Information
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Project: |
PVC Rocket Launcher |
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Contact Name/Number: |
[Your name, phone, email address] |
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Min/Max attendees: |
Limited to the first 12 students |
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Ages (recommended): |
4th grade + |
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Parents required (Y/N): |
Students under 4th grade will need adult assistance |
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Cost/student: |
[Amount each student will pay to attend the workshop] |
It is recommended to limit the first several classes to 12 or less. This will give you the opportunity to work through your presentation skills, adjust to the types of questions being asked, which steps that take a few more minutes to accomplish, etc.
Generally, Hardware Science Workshops (and projects) are designed for the 5th – 6th grader. That does not mean younger students cannot enjoy the workshop. Since you will not be able to individually help each student, add the note about needing adult assistance.
Hardware Science provides several starter templates to advertise workshops. The main points the flyer tells your audience (group organizers and coordinators) are:
- You are providing hands-on learning content.
- An image of the finished project.
- How to contact you for more information.
Select a template – or create your own – and create both a hard copy and soft copy (PDF) version. Send the appropriate version to your list of contacts.
TIP: Include your name, email and phone number on the flyer. Your flyer will generate interest and you will get questions or requests for more information. Let the intended recipient decide how to contact you.
TIP: Once you begin having conversations with a group or organization about a workshop, it is recommended to let them handle the advertising, sign ups and student coordination. This will be a huge help.
Congratulations! You have your first workshop commitment! You will need another set of information on the organization, location, etc. Please see sample below:
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Project: |
PVC Rocket Launcher |
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Date, Time & Location: |
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Organization Name: |
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Social media: |
[@socialmedianame] |
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Contact Name/Number: |
[Event organizer name, phone, email address] |
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Min/Max attendees: |
[Number of attendees] |
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Ages (recommended): |
4th grade + |
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Parents required (Y/N): |
Students under 4th grade will need adult assistance |
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Sign up date: |
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Cost/student: |
[Amount each student will pay to attend the workshop] |
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Any supplies the student must bring: |
Contact name and number: This is typically the person organizing the event for the students. Establishing a good rapport with this person is imperative. Stay in communication with this person throughout the process. It is recommended to recap or summarize the final agreed upon details of the workshop in an email or in written form in case you need to reference back.
Location: Understand what your working space will be like. Cafeteria tables are very different than a park bench. A library set up will be different than a children’s museum.
Hardware Science has several templates – or you can create your own – to help the organization advertise the event. Providing more information will help make the workshop a success.
Find out when the sign up/registration closes. Allow enough time to order supplies and prepare for the workshop.
TIP: Other questions to ask your point-of-contact:
- How much time are you allowing for the workshop?
- Will there be teachers or staff available to help? A rule-of-thumb is one workshop guide/adult per 12 students. If a parent accompanies the student, then one workshop guide/adult per 20 students is possible.
- How have they run similar events in the past? Tell me a little bit about them.
- Do I have access to electricity?
- What time can you set up at the event site?
Supplies
Order your base supplies from hardwarescience.com. The supplies will come “in bulk” and it will not include retail packaging (box). Extra sets of instructions will come with your supply kit. In case some students are unable to attend, they can be given the supplies and instructions later.
It is recommended to pre-assemble some parts of the project for the workshop. There could be various reasons for this including the top 2 reasons – age group you are working with and time allowed for the workshop.
Note: An extra complete set of supplies will be sent with each supply order. This set is for you to make a finished sample to show the students. It will also allow you to think about how you will adapt the project for the audience.
Create a checklist for yourself a few days prior to the workshop. A sample checklist is shown below, full page in the Resource section:
State Laws
- Each state has its own tax laws. You will need to look at your state’s tax laws, income limits, etc.
- Each state has its own photo release laws. If you take pictures for flyers, websites, etc. you will need to get parents to sign a release form. [Sample]
Invoice
Some organizations will require an invoice for their records. Schools or other government agencies will require an invoice to issue payment. Other community groups may not require an invoice. You may choose to create one anyway for documentation purposes. Many invoice templates are available online and/or Excel has various invoice templates available.
The final step and most enjoyable and satisfying part of Hardware Science is presenting the workshop! The excited students (and families) gather and wait in anticipation for the start of the workshop makes the preparation efforts worthwhile.
The basic structure of the workshop is:
- Introduction
- Hands on guided instruction
- Finished product – Play, Fun, Assessment, etc.
YOUR workshop will vary. You will adapt it to your audience and presentation style. If you have made it this far in the guide, you are committed to the original mission of Hardware Science and have the passion “to teach basic science skills” to an audience. See sample outline below:
PVC Rocket Launcher outline
- Introduction
- Introduce yourself, thank everyone for coming and how excited you are to be there to share Hardware Science.
- What is Hardware Science? Let the students come up with answers.
- Introduce the PVC Rocket Launcher to the group. Through this project, we will be learning about:
- Skills: Listening, Estimating, Measuring, Thinking
- Concepts: Air pressure and Angles
- Hands on guided instruction
- Inform the group that listening skills are important. If a student tries to “jump ahead”, they may not be able to disassemble certain parts of the project.
- Do an inventory check of supplies.
- This gives you a chance to introduce the hardware store products they will be using during the workshop.
- This also lets the students know that if a part breaks at home, they can fix it with items from the hardware store.
- Start the Step-by-Step instructional portion of the workshop.
- Finished product – Play, Fun, Assessment, etc.
- Allow time for the students to test their Rocket Launcher!
- If possible, hold a quick assessment session with the students. Ask questions that keep their thoughts going to help make the skills and concepts learned “stick”. A list of sample assessment questions are included in the Resource section.
- Group photo
- Thank them for coming. Remind the group (of parents) who you are, you are available for workshops and how to contact you. Consider bringing flyers with you for parents to take home. You can get potential leads from workshop-to-workshop.
TIP: Allow for “wait time” during your presentation. Wait time gives students time to think about what they are doing. Ask questions so they will use their analytical and critical-thinking skills. If they think, they will retain more information.
TIP: If a student asks a question, you do not have to give him/her the answer. Another way to answer their question is with your own question! Example:
Student: “How do I make the rocket go farther?”
HSP: “That’s a great question. What are some ideas you have to make it go farther? Anyone else have ideas on how we can make the rocket go farther?”
Post Workshop
It is recommended to have a recap call/meeting with the event organizer. Their feedback is very important. It can help shape and structure your future workshops with them, and with other organizations.
Equally important are your notes throughout the process. Take time to review, take a close look at each part of the process on what can be improved, changed or eliminated.
Other Miscellaneous tips
- Find a local, independent hardware store to “sponsor” your workshop. This could help offset the price of the workshop or even supply additional “upgrades” for the project. Sponsoring your workshops is an easy way for the store to “support local” and get some advertising. Do not forget to mention them at your workshops or even in your flyers.
- Create social media accounts for your workshop/program. Connect with Hardware Science so there can be cross-promotion.
Hardware Science branding
Use of the Hardware Science brand and name will be limited to Hardware Science Presenters who are actively purchasing supply kits from Hardware Science.
Resources available to Hardware Science Presenters will include:
- Wholesale kit pricing available on the HardwareScience.com website.
- Extra sample kit for Presenter – purpose is to make a finished, sample product to support workshop.
- Based on kits being purchased, extra supplies will be provided.
- Sample images of finished kits.
- One-on-One online webinar for each kit purchased. Step-by-Step guide, Q&A session, tips and suggestions.