Ninth graders in Engineering and Technology Innovation/Science Teacher Zara Acosta-Chen’s Ready, S.E.T. Go! class don’t lack for hands-on work. To explore science, engineering, and technology concepts (S.E.T.) firsthand, they get to it!

Studying the complex issues of microplastics, plastics in the oceans, and ideas to remedy the problem, they discovered how easily microfibers break off from polyester fleece, then examined them under a microscope.

Exploring electricity and circuits, they made a square wave play through an amplifier and heard sounds produced by sending a small electrical current through different conductors, including themselves! During their unit on aerodynamics, they collaborated on building kites of all different shapes, sizes, and styles.

Throughout the year, students also finessed their projects with the ability to add elements designed by them and printed on classroom 3D printers.

“Ready, S.E.T., Go! gives our new ninth graders the opportunity to think and act like engineers by applying the engineering design process,” says Ms. Acosta-Chen. “It requires them to take a step back, to analyze where their prototype failed, and to re-envision a new, better version. It's contrary to the binary idea of being ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ in any moment, but rather emphasizes the possibility of continuous improvement.”