STEAM #2: It’s Rocket Science.

These past few weeks leading up to Friday, May 2, PN2K worked with Dipul Patel, CEO of EcoVent to conduct some master-mind brainstorming. That afternoon, things fell into place (literally) as we all ended up having a blast launching rockets outside Killian Court on a sunny Friday evening.

I met with our partners, MIT Amphibious Achievement, who had rounded up their group of curious and excited "Achievers" (high school mentees) and mentors. In total, there was about 12 of us meeting with Dip at the MIT Entrepreneurship Center. If there is any association you should have in your mind with PN2K, it's that we are all about "hands-on" learning and tangible take-aways. It should be natural then that Dip had an amazing surprise waiting for Achievers - each person would be building (and taking back home) their own rocket-ships! 

So after some brief introductions, we all headed to MIT Killian Court (under the famous MIT dome where, yes, there was once a firetruck hack) and refueled with chipotle, chips, and soda! Then we prepared for take-off and LAUNCHED. 

Yes, we did have way too much fun, and yes - we totally went over our planned time. We attracted spectators, experimented with ideas, and finally wound down with coffee while debriefing (led by Dip) back at the E-Center. 

Well, I certainly learned a lot! First, I learned that kids are naturally curious and very action-oriented. Engaging projects will ignite that spark that leads to enthusiastic learning and creative experimentation. 

Achievers, you were awesome today. A HUGE thanks to Dip and EcoVent for such a brilliant time. Thank you to ALL of our wonderful sponsoring partners for helping to make this event possible, and most importantly, HUGE thanks to Amphibious Achievers for coming and making this experience GREAT for everyone.

Link to PN2K EcoVent Rocket-Launching photo album

Thanks to PN2K's community partners: EcoVent, Chipotle, Shaw's, Starbucks, Cambridge Bicycles