Build Green Technology
Cooper Union runs a series of incredible, immersive and intensive summer programs offering students the chance to be at the forefront of design and engineering. Offerings change from year to year - and were provided remotely in summer 2020.
“Students will explore and develop novel technologies for underutilized energy sources. Students learn through hands on activities both methods and theories for harvesting green energy while becoming familiar with basic heat transfer, thermodynamics, energy measurement, data collection, and infrared thermal imaging. 3-D computer modeling skills including Solidworks will be taught and used in addition to traditional mathematical analysis methods to help design the final projects. For the final project, students apply the engineering design process and collaborate with a team to create a prototype for green technology. Potential green energy sources investigated may include wind, human power, waste heat, solar, cascade utilizations, thermoelectrics, and organic energy..”
How much time will this take: The program run for six weeks (five days a week, from 9:30AM - 3:30PM) during the summer. Note: the online program in summer 2020 was reduced to four weeks.
How do I get started? Just go to their website and apply.
How do I expand this narrative arc?
Each of the Cooper Union programs results in a prototype or an app ready for launch. Think about bringing your summer work back to your school, either through a club, a competition or an independent study that allows you to broaden and deepen your experience in the area.
If your prototype isn’t quite ready for launch you can also think about doing something more low-tech. Think Composting Cafeteria or Make a Trash Splash
Participate in a quick citizen science project that revolves around the environment or sustainability like The Big Microplastic Survey
Apply for a grant from the Captain Planet Foundation for your own ocean related project.
Running a “Ban the Plastic” campaign in your school or town is also a great idea. See this organization for step by step instructions on how to launch such a campaign.
HOT TIP: The Summer STEM program also includes elements of career and college counseling. It is an amazing way for a student with a strong interest in science and or design to engage in a deep exploration of the practical applications for concepts learned in a classroom. Although this program is not cheap and may not be as highly selective as certain other programs, the sheer amount of time and effort required to complete this program will be very impressive, and you can also use the prototype or design you create to continue to build on an impressive narrative arc.