Neivandt Shares Benefits of RET Program in ‘Science Scope’

Tracy Vassiliev, a middle school science teacher at the James E. Doughty School in Bangor, and David Neivandt, a University of Maine professor, associate vice president for research and graduate studies, and director of the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, co-wrote Let Them Eat Cake … OE-Cake!, which was published in the April/May 2015 issue of “Science Scope.”

In summer 2014, Vassiliev took part in a research experience for teachers (RET) program, funded by the National Science Foundation, with Neivandt at UMaine’s Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI).

RET’s objectives include fostering STEM partnerships between K–12  teachers and university faculty and inspiring the teachers to translate cutting-edge research being done at universities and make it relevant to their students.

Vassiliev experienced and, in turn, has been introducing her students to OE-Cake! (Octave Engine Cake Version 1.1.2b), which was unveiled in 2007 by Prometech Software, a company that specializes in high-performance simulation and computer graphics. OE-Cake! is a digital sandbox and learning platform.

When used to support science content, Neivandt and Vassiliev say OE-Cake! can engage students in ways that encourage critical thinking and creativity, and encourage them to explore hydrodynamics of liquids, small particle systems and solids.

In the classroom, the educators say it can help students understand the nature of science empirically by exploring the physical properties of virtual materials.

“By embracing the software, students discover that research in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) fields is fun and exciting. … As educators, if there is a given technology that your students enjoy exploring, then embrace it, and help reveal the STEAM connections. This will reinforce the idea that STEAM content can truly be found everywhere,” Neivandt and Vassiliev wrote in the article.

“Teachers do not have to be experts in all computer applications, but instead they can be guides in helping students explore and experiment. Teachers need to be sure to provide students with a clear purpose, STEAM connections, and parameters. After that, you can allow your students to impress you with their applications of the scientific process, discoveries, iterations, and evidence-backed reasoning.”