Fluid mechanics for elementary school students via flow visualization using smartphones and tablets

This study examined a promising approach to inspire elementary-level students to pursue a career in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) through a university-run afterschool program at Skyland Elementary School which is a majority-minority school. Student teachers taught basic fluid mechanic topics such as surface tension, viscosity, etc. while engineers (four female and one male) and artists would lead activities based on that day's lesson. Team members would then help students conduct the flow visualization with the classroom iPads during experiments, including high-speed imaging at up to 120 fps and 720p (e.g. popping of soap bubbles). We surveyed students at the beginning and end of the program to gauge their interest in STEAM and their understanding of fluid mechanic topics, and to examine the impact of a mostly female-led program on student perceptions of engineers and artists. Analysis showed that an increased percentage of students after our program drew a female when asked to draw a scientist, with pre-test n=29 & 34.48% and post-test n=23 & 43.48%. We also found a 9% increase in the representation of African American scientists at post-test.