Transcript poster - Villanova Department of Computing Sciences

Computer Science Workshops from the
Villanova Magic School Science Camp
Melissa Corning, Thomas Way, Mary-Angela Papalaskari, and Najib Nadi
Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, USA
The PIVOTS Initiative:
Promote an interest in computer
science and other sciences among
teens and children by creating a
theatrical “magic school” summer
science camp experience.
Peer Interdisciplinary Volunteer
Outreach with Theatre & Science
1. University faculty and students
teach teens about the sciences,
theatre and magic performance.
2. Teens combine what they have
learned to craft a Harry Potter
inspired magic school performance.
3. Busloads of children from other
summer programs come for a day
of science, magic and fun at the
magic school.
Biology
Theatre
Physics
Create a multidisciplinary
service learning summer
program for teenagers
involving:
• Science/math/technology
instruction
• Improvisational theatre &
Writing
• Magical illusion
• Outreach to younger children
from Philadelphia
• Connect with
underrepresented populations
• Repair the misconception of a
dichotomy between creativity
in the sciences and arts
• Explore the use of storytelling
and re-enactment in the
teaching of science
Computer
Science
Magic
Math
Chemistry
Astronomy
More
Week 3:
Weeks 1 & 2
Performing & Teaching
for Young Visitors
Teens Create the Magic School
Learning
• Science, Math, Theatre, Computer Science,
Computer literacy
• Magical illusion workshops
• Trip to Academy of Natural Sciences
• Scanning Electron Microscope
• Library tour - rare books & technology
• Collaboration with City of Philadelphia
Department of Recreation
• Adventure begins at 30th St Station,
Philadelphia
• Apprentices ride the train to Villanova
• Scholars perform as teachers and other school
“personnel”
Practice
• Devise skits, plan magic lessons
• Plan magic lessons
• Develop magic school story
• Create characters, props, costumes, music
• Create magic school web pages
1. Young visitors get
an invitation to the
Magic School
2. You go to the Magic
Mall to get your school
supplies
3. Catch a train
from track 3 ½
5. Welcome, banquet
and sorting
4. Arrive at the Magic
School
7. Graduation and the
knight bus home
6. Magic Lessons
Computer Science Workshops
Photoshop
Artificial
Intelligence
Web Design
Alice 3D
Animation
Blogs
BBS
Overall Assessment
How did you feel about . . .
4.6
The program overall
The counselors
Theatre
Physics
Chemistry
4.9
4.4
Increase in Interest
Has increased
10
About the same
4
Decreased
3.6
4.6
4.4
Magical Illusion
Mathematics
Computer Science
Designing the Magic School
Performing for students
Number of Respondents
Increase in Understanding
4.0
7
A Great Deal
Somewhat
Not At All 0
3.6
4.3
0
7
Recommend Program
4.6
1.0
3.0
5.0
Hated It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loved It
Yes
12
No
2
0
2
4
6
8
10
Quotations
“It has been awesome here. At first, I was a little hesitant to
come, but by the first day, everyone was such great friends. I
couldn’t wait to come the next day.”
“We had to make stuff up off the tops of our heads.”
“It’s surprising how inquisitive little kids can be.”
Visit the scholar’s blog at:
magicschool.electronicfaierie.com
12
14
Mary-Angela Papalaskari
Computing Sciences
David A. Cregan, O.S.A.
Theater
Anthony Lagalante
Chemistry
Sue McFarland Metzger
Information Systems
Alain Phares
Physics
Najib Nadi
Computing Sciences
Karen Hess
Science Resources
Robert Styer
Mathematics
Connie Titone
Educ. & Human Services
Thomas Way
Computing Sciences
Francis Wunderlich
Physics
Randy Weinstein
Chemical Engineering
Noreen Cameron
Office of Service Learning
Debbie Kossman
National Analysts, Inc.
Research & Consulting
Elvira Stewart
City of Philadelphia
Dept. of Recreation
Timshel Purdum
Academy of Natural
Sciences Philadelphia
Stephen Cooper
St. Joseph’s Univ. & NSF
Villanova University
magicschool.villanova.edu