This February, we’re highlighting Valentine’s and Black History Month–themed facts and activities that show how STEM is deeply connected to heart, history, and humanity. From coding with kindness and exploring fun facts about the heart, to celebrating the groundbreaking contributions of Black scientists through Hidden Figures in space science, our February focus centers on innovation powered by empathy, curiosity, and legacy.
Coding with Kindness
This February, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’re embracing Coding with Kindness by highlighting the importance of empathy in technology. By placing ourselves in the user’s shoes, we can design apps and websites that feel more human, inclusive, and welcoming. Coding with empathy helps create digital experiences that foster connection, trust, and a true sense of belonging, because how we build matters just as much as what we build.
Link to Article: https://www.logiscool.com/tz/blog/education/coding-for-kids-empathy-teamwork
Get to know your heart
Fun fact, a kid’s heart has to push blood through about 60,000 miles of blood vessels—that’s long enough to circle the Earth two and a half times!
Link to Article: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/the-truth-about-your-heart
Hidden Figures in Space Science
“Hidden Figures” refers to the brilliant African-American women—specifically Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—who worked as “human computers” at NASA during the 1960s space race. They overcame systemic racism and sexism to perform critical orbital trajectory calculations and engineering work, making space exploration (including John Glenn’s orbit) possible.
Link to Article: https://www.nasa.gov/from-hidden-to-modern-figures/
3D Print Heart Shapes with Sand and Glue Activity
3D print without needing a 3D printer in this fun hands-on activity. Get inspired and experience the world of 3D design.
Link to Activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF5UTmlY4cY&t=7s