Week 1: Dignity and Solar Ovens

Metro students growing in respect for themselves, their peers and their common home

Dignity is the immutable human quality which allows us never to lose our worth and right to be respected. Embracing the dignity of every human person is written in the mission of Metro, and through interdisciplinary projects, it is woven into the experience of every student.

As engineers, students and women of the world, it is imperative that we embrace dignity in every aspect of our lives. This virtue allows us to confidently express our ideas, to listen to the opinions of our peers, and to share in a mutual respect for our environment.

“Everything is connected. Concern for the environment thus needs to be joined to a sincere love for our fellow human beings and an unwavering commitment to resolving the problems of society” (Laudato Si, 91)

This week in efforts to grow in respect for one another, we discussed the necessity of respecting and sustaining the common home which we share – our planet Earth. We took action on the topic of sustainability, and challenged the Engineering Apprenticeship students to design their very own solar ovens.

In this challenge the Engineering Apprenticeship students demonstrated the skills of resourcefulness, critical thinking, and collaboration. The solar ovens were constructed from a few simple materials such as, cardboard, aluminum foil, and black paper. The students entered into the design process with only a limited knowledge of how the materials would affect the overall outcome of the oven. Using the power of critical thinking and collaboration, every group was able to produce a successfully toasted s’more.