Living the dream…Part 2

I am convinced that there is an interdisciplinary “thread” (a la STEAM) in the following examples which is intriguing as well as practical! Here are few things to ponder as we continue to discuss, design and plan, and produce contributions to real-world issues and challenges.

• A few days ago, I was invited to a meeting with Alan Botterman, my colleague at HTHSCV, and Alex Boone, CEO and Founder of Bruvida (check out his website). Alex is a graduate of UC San Diego with a degree in Bioengineering and currently completing his MBA at the Rady School of Management ---what a magnificent combination of STEAM concepts and project design principles. He is also CEO of UCSD’s “Entrepreneur Challenge” and the “Ignite Conference” creating innovative and networking opportunities related to start-up companies and businesses. A primary “audience” for these conversations are first-year UCSD undergraduate students participating in inter-disciplinary discussions and planning sessions associated with new product design and production related to community and societal needs. This “exposure to new ideas” also includes collaborations with a wide variety of businesses, institutions, and local agencies in the greater San Diego area. As Alex says, “everyone needs to be inspired, and give something back to the community.” His overall passion, leadership, commitment to change and work ethic are evident throughout our conversation. Alex Boone is someone to watch --- a young man with extraordinary vision, and a designer’s eye and business sense to make things happen!

• Another conversation that caught my attention was an interview on NPR related to a new technology related to ocean monitoring technology. A unique collaboration between Smart Fin, UCSD-Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and The Surfrider Foundation is embarking on a concept involving surfers as “citizen scientists.” This research is also supported by Dr. Andrew Stern of the Lost Bird Project. According to Tyler Cyronak (Biochemist UCSD-SIO) and Phil Bresnahan (Engineer-UCSD-SIO) the SmartFin design involves embedding a variety of sensors in a surfboard fin “that measure a variety of ocean parameters including temperature, location, and wave characteristics.” In my view, the overall design and shape of the fin is a masterful work related to STEAM. Jon Cohen, Editor SCIENCE, states that “this research will contribute significantly to studies related to the health of the sea and coastal data studies.” The SmartFin will only be used for research purposes and is not available for commercial distribution. Selected members of Surfrider Chapters are the only participants of the research and study. As an avid surfer and member of the Surfrider Foundation, I will be applying for possible inclusion in the study!

• The “Hippo Roller,” designed by two South African researchers, Pettie Petzer and Johan Jonker, is the next “big idea” on my list of creative and innovative products. In developing countries there are many problems associated with collecting and transporting clean water from wells, rivers or springs because of difficult and challenging rural conditions. The design of the “Hippo Roller” is a 5-gallon container on wheels that can be pushed or pulled with a handle. Often times women are the ones who must retrieve water supplies and carry this on their heads or backs to and from villages. Over a period of time the stress and strain of carrying heavy loads in this manner takes a toll on the mind and body (yes both!). According to the designers and users, the “Hippo Roller” reduces suffering from carrying heavy loads; improves health and hygiene; empowers women and children; improves morale and dignity; and makes more water! The roller is being endorsed by the United Nations World Health and Food Programme and is being distributed in many African nations.

• The next product I reviewed and examined is the Soular Backpack designed by Salima Visram, who grew up in Kenya. She says that, “This is a solar powered backpack that allows children who don't have access to electricity in rural parts of Africa to study at night without having to use an expensive and carcinogenic kerosene lamp.” What a powerful concept and idea that provides extended educational opportunity for students from impoverished backgrounds. I also envision use of the Soular Backpack in areas and regions with severe homeless populations, particularly school-aged children and students.

• The final series of designs, models, prototypes and products to mention comes from HTHSCV. These were exhibited at the recent “Festival del Sol” event and displayed an extraordinary level of skill, design planning and organization, craftsmanship, detail, and in some cases entrepreneurial ideas and sample products by students. Please take a look at the two previous blog entries (entitled “Festival del Sol”) for further details and information.

This discussion provides ideas and activities for educators who want to construct more equitable, more meaningful, and livelier educational experiences in preparing every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. Some ideas shared are relatively new; some not. However, we must remember that change is on-going and constant in our lives. Therefore, living the dream can be a wonderful series of encounters and opportunities!