- Reasons for undertaking the project
The main reason for this course is to inspire children to learn. I was the kind of kid that after I did an experiment, I would go to the library to find out how it worked. I experiments for the fun of it because they looked cool to me but then I was challenged by them to understand, albeit this occurred at 7th grade not 1st. So, I think the experiments have to be attention getters that pique interest and curiosity.
- Objectives and constraints of the project
The object is to create inspiration science experiments in electricity, assemble kits, and delivery a 6 week course to 6 year olds. I only have 6 2-hour classes to do this, and the project materials cannot be over $50 in cost.
- Directions concerning the solution
One aspect of being a PhD at Super Saturday is that I am free to be self-directed in how the objectives are reached and that is like a fun science project in itself.
- Identities of the main stakeholders
There are 4 stakeholders, 1) the students, 2) the parents, 3) the Parent Association for Gifted Education, and 4) me. The interests of all four parties are to be met. There is an invisible stakeholder that I keep in mind and that is any little scientist in the world that would be inspired by these experiments. I do have a goal to publish these experiments.
- In-scope and out-of-scope items
Time, cost, quality, and human resources. The project is limited to 12 hours of course work and about 56 evenings of preparation and planning time, since I also work full time. These are gifted children, so the quality has to be exemplary. Lab fees are limited to $50, a teen leader will help with the students, and at least two parents volunteer to help each week.
- Risks identified early on
Safety is a concern with electricity since kids seem to be ingenious at getting circuits to smoke. There is also a risk that some kids get bored and some are over whelmed. Sometimes, children feel social anxiety in an unfamiliar class situation.
- Target project benefits
Early education on electricity would be beneficial to any child growing up in these times. The target benefit is to enjoy the experiments and to be inspired to learn more about electricity. I would like them to leave with pleasant feelings and knowledge about electricity and a sense of accomplishment.
- High level budget and spending authority
The course fee is $85 and the lab fee at $50.