Electronic Project Lab: Hands on Activity with Garfield

On February 25, 2009, Edgar De Loa, Ame, Aldo Garcia, Violeta Crow, Jeremy Morales, and Rene Rivera gave a third presentation at Garfield Middle School with Youth Adelante. We had the children do an electronic project lab where they had to make a circuit board with different kinds of sounds. The sounds were highway patrol sound or ambulance sound. The sounds could be made by connecting the right cables on the circuit board. The main purpose of this hands on activity was to promote engineering and the sciences while exposing these kids to it. Before the activity started, Edgar talked to the kids about what engineering is and Aldo explained to the kids the procedures of the activity. There were 5 tables and each of our volunteers were at a table with a group of kids. We were there to help the kids with any questions they may have while doing the activity. It was interesting to see the kid’s curiosity when trying to connect the right cables on the circuit board. At first the kids were confused but as they kept asking questions and get organized with a little guidance, they were able to complete the electronic project lab.

This project, allowed us be role models for kids that are endangered of bad environments or neighborhoods with gangs and drugs. By doing this presentation, PTK was able to promote Engineering and the sciences to the kids at Garfield. We may have made a difference in the life of these children by what we are doing. We were able to see that we may not be able to change the world, but we understand that if we can make a change in these kids lives, that’s a plus for us and our community.

KIVA UPDATE

The three entrepreneurs that our chapter funded are already making their payments. This is an update on their situation.



Bifotima Kimsanova in Tajikistan (Activity: Cloth & Dressmaking Supplies)
Loaned:$375.00
Total Repaid So Far:$187.50 (50.00% of total loan)
View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=58950



Bahodir Toshmatov in Tajikistan (Activity: Agriculture)
Loaned:$225.00
Total Repaid So Far:$120.50 (50.00% of total loan)
View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=68462



Karomat Umarkulova in Tajikistan (Activity: Livestock)
Loaned:$$75.00
Total Repaid So Far:$50.00 (67.00% of total loan)
View loan profile at:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=68468

Second Garfield Presentation: Teaching Garfield to Live Green

On December 3rd, 2008, Alex, Astrid, and Rene Rivera gave the second presentation at Garfield Middle School(Youth Adelante. They first talked to the students about the problem we are getting into if we do not protect our environment. They also talked to the students about the solutions that there are to solve this big problem like recycling, planting trees, not throwing garbage on streets, etc. Furthermore, the children interacted with the presenters by asking questions and participating in activities. The presenters had the students build snow globes by using jam jars and other supplies. Although the presenters had some technical difficulties with the power point presentation, they were able to pull through and everything worked out just fine. The students were impressed because Alex graduated from that school.

For more information on our projects with Garfield check out our blog entry titled First Garfield Presentation: Science Behind Magic.

Redwood City Symphony

On Sunday November 23rd, two member of our chapter, Isaiah Roggow and Marie Roussel, volunteered for the Redwood City Symphony. The volunteers helped to sell cookies and coffee during the event. Funds will be donated to the symphony.

Isaiah shares with the blog his insights and highlights of the event:

I always enjoy going to the Redwood Symphony, it really is and always has been a well organized and competently ran event. Their themes are always well-thought out and consistent. The musicians are top shelf and could easily be found at any of the 'big-super-prestigious" orchestras in the nation in which I have been in the audience.
This time around, Redwood Symphony honored several renowned Jewish composers at the Beth Am synagogue in Los Altos Hills. The first of two highlights for me was the playing of the suite for the movie "The Hours." The second was accompanied choral singing of traditional psalms that have been passed down by the Jewish people for uncounted generations. It was a truly delightful event; the Redwood Symphony continued to bring high quality orchestral music to the Bay Area once again. Bravo!

Globalization Debate

This event was done with the Business Club after the President of the Business Club came to our chapter with the idea of the debate. The two Canada Clubs decided that we would have two professors, Terzakis and Roscelli, in the debate. The main idea was to educate students on the pro's and con's of globalization and trade while explaining the effect trade can have on the countries involved. The event proved to be an extremely popular debate to attend. We had over 100 students and faculty members attend with standing room only shortly after the debate began. After the professors presented their views the room was open to questions and the numbers of students with questions was much greater than we thought. Thanks to the great involvement of the classroom the debate ended up lasting much longer than expected, but was well worth the time. This event was able to help the chapter reach out to Canada students and teach them about our scholarship topic.

Darwin, God or both?

On November 13th 2008, an English professor, Mark Harrison, gave a lecture on Evolution and Intelligent Design to our chapter. He explained the foundations of both, Evolution theory and Intelligent Design hypothesis. The chapter, along with other members of the community, enjoyed a well prepared lecture explaining why Evolution is a viable scientific theory and how Intelligent Design is an attempt to incorporate religion into the education system.

"Frankie Meets Jimmy" - A Benefit Concert For Student Scholarships

Members of our Chapter volunteered to help out at the Jimmy meets Frankie music event hosted by Canada's president,Tom Mohr, for the college’s donors. The event was done in hopes of raising money to help pay for scholarships for Canada's college. Marie, Isaiah, Jonathan, Ryan, and Loveline acted as ushers to provide a warm welcome for the President’s guests. The volunteers also helped set up the intermission refreshments and coffee. This was an opportunity for the college’s donors to see the very students that their donations benefit.