PORTALS
A Youth Science Collective
Summary
PORTALS is an interactive and collaborative STEAM learning space. We build community support skills to take care of one another and ourselves all whilst exploring the dynamics of the universe. We believe that every individual has the capacity to develop their own worldview and systems for inquiry, discernment and liberation. We merely create the space and provide the resources.
Youth Schedule
4:30-6 Dinner, HW help, focus activities + games
6-7 Research Modules
Research Modules
The research modules for youth and adults are the same. Each module revolves around a different theme or scientific concept, eventually chosen by group decision making processes. All modules include brainstorming, an embodied/artists component and open research/exploration. The first four lessons will cover the basics of each research station.
Research Stations
There are 4 research stations that can be utilized during open research time. Each contains a collection of books, gadgets, workbooks and materials.
There will also be a shared resource station for multipurpose crafts and books.
Throughout the course mini-objectives and continuing projects may emerge.
Teaching Philosophy
Our pedagogy is based on the idea that it is up to us as individuals to develop our own processes of inquiry and discernment and through doing so we find our own liberation. Our facilitation utilizes concepts and methods of hard science, sustainability, social justice and art to inspire new modes of thinking and being in a complicated world.
Our philosophy includes 4 main values:
Facilitators
Throughout the course we hope to train and recruit students to become facilitators and co-creators of this course. The following are part of the core team as of now:
Kendra Krueger (Facilitator and Founder)
Kendra Krueger is an engineer, professor and community organizer who teaches how to use science as a tool for personal liberation and discovery. She teaches at Naropa University and founded 4Love+Science as a community science education and consultation business. She has a bachelor and masters degree in Electrical Engineering (BS Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, MS University of Colorado Boulder) and has experience in radio astronomy, semiconductor physics, photolithography and ceramics. She is trained in facilitation, permaculture, anti-oppression, mindfulness meditation and dabbles in radio production, journalism, theater, dance and music. She is originally from New York City's Lower East Side and currently lives in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.
Justice Smith
East High School Student, CSC Community Cypher
Shani Riddick
CU Engineering Student, West African Dance and Lineage
Sarah Iverson
Naropa Graduate Student, Graphic Designer
Anastasia Hill
Naropa Graduate Student, Fine Artist
PORTALS is an interactive and collaborative STEAM learning space. We build community support skills to take care of one another and ourselves all whilst exploring the dynamics of the universe. We believe that every individual has the capacity to develop their own worldview and systems for inquiry, discernment and liberation. We merely create the space and provide the resources.
Youth Schedule
4:30-6 Dinner, HW help, focus activities + games
6-7 Research Modules
Research Modules
The research modules for youth and adults are the same. Each module revolves around a different theme or scientific concept, eventually chosen by group decision making processes. All modules include brainstorming, an embodied/artists component and open research/exploration. The first four lessons will cover the basics of each research station.
Research Stations
There are 4 research stations that can be utilized during open research time. Each contains a collection of books, gadgets, workbooks and materials.
- Physics, Time, Energy, Space
- Systems -- Electrical and Mechanical
- Life: Biology and Chemistry
- Original and Intuitive Technologies
There will also be a shared resource station for multipurpose crafts and books.
Throughout the course mini-objectives and continuing projects may emerge.
Teaching Philosophy
Our pedagogy is based on the idea that it is up to us as individuals to develop our own processes of inquiry and discernment and through doing so we find our own liberation. Our facilitation utilizes concepts and methods of hard science, sustainability, social justice and art to inspire new modes of thinking and being in a complicated world.
Our philosophy includes 4 main values:
- Social Equity
- Regenerative Design
- Integrated Arts and Sciences
- Personal Discovery and Liberation
Facilitators
Throughout the course we hope to train and recruit students to become facilitators and co-creators of this course. The following are part of the core team as of now:
Kendra Krueger (Facilitator and Founder)
Kendra Krueger is an engineer, professor and community organizer who teaches how to use science as a tool for personal liberation and discovery. She teaches at Naropa University and founded 4Love+Science as a community science education and consultation business. She has a bachelor and masters degree in Electrical Engineering (BS Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, MS University of Colorado Boulder) and has experience in radio astronomy, semiconductor physics, photolithography and ceramics. She is trained in facilitation, permaculture, anti-oppression, mindfulness meditation and dabbles in radio production, journalism, theater, dance and music. She is originally from New York City's Lower East Side and currently lives in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, Colorado.
Justice Smith
East High School Student, CSC Community Cypher
Shani Riddick
CU Engineering Student, West African Dance and Lineage
Sarah Iverson
Naropa Graduate Student, Graphic Designer
Anastasia Hill
Naropa Graduate Student, Fine Artist