Project Description

Head Start is a federally funded early education program designed to help children from low income families build a strong learning foundation. Key ways of strengthening young minds is through outdoor play and STEAM learning equipment. Our team has partnered with the Mill Swan School, a Worcester Head Start, to improve their outdoor play spaces by incorporating STEAM learning in the equipment we chose to design and build.

Project Sponsor

Mill Swan School is one of three Head Start preschools in Worcester, Massachusetts. They have around 110 students and twelve classrooms. The school uses a unique style of teaching that provides their students with a hands-on learning experience. By using a combination of Reggio Amelia and Head Start’s Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF), Mill Swan teachers assist student learning by driving their creativity, encouraging them to explore their surroundings, and pushing their children to be problem solvers. Mill Swan utilizes its two outdoor play areas in part of their daily schedule.

Student Researchers

Student Bios

Michael Gates: Electrical and Computer Engineering major. Has always had an interest in computers after making his own PC at age 13. Since then, has always been interested in how electrical components work together. His hobbies include playing billiards, hiking, and spending time with his girlfriend. Currently lives in Worcester, Massachusetts and was raised in nearby Rutland, Massachusetts.

Marco Legros: Architectural Engineering student. Developed a passion for engineering when he lived in Haiti. Witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, which reinforced his commitment to the field of engineering. In his free time, he enjoys hobbies including playing soccer and basketball, indulging in artistic pursuits, and spending quality time with friends and family. Currently resides in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

Will Barton: Business Analytics student. Developed a passion for analytics through sports and becoming passionate about player statistics. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball for the WPI Men’s Basketball team, golf, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. His hometown is Meriden, Connecticut.

Madison Morales: Environmental Engineering major. Grew an interest in the field from a love of the environment, math, and sustainability. Developed her interest for the outdoors at a young age. Enjoys spending time with family and out in nature. Her hometown is Salem, New Hampshire.

Project Goals and Objectives

The goal of this project is to assist Mill Swan Head Start in promoting STEAM learning in their outdoor play spaces by designing and implementing features. These features will aid in developing lifelong learning skills to carry into higher levels of education. This will be achieved by the following objectives:

• Document the desires of faculty, directors, children, and families.
• Understand the capacity of Mill Swan Head Start’s ability to implement in the outdoor spaces.
• Assess the functions of current STEAM-oriented learning centers.
• Create proposed designs for the play spaces and gather feedback on our designs from the associated community.

Final Report

To see a copy of our final report, click here.

Deliverables

1. Implemented Bike Pump and Lego Water Flow

2. Implemented Balance Structure

3. Created Feature Catalog

To view our entire feature catalog, click here.

4. Created Design Booklet for Top Five Designs

To view our full design booklet, click here.

5. Final Slideshow

To see our final slideshow, click here.