A Soaring i3 STEM GRANT Summer Program
Coming up with enticing ways to keep middle schoolers busy, entertained, did I say busy... and in fun learning mode... is no easy task...
Not an impossible one either... because our leaders at the i3 STEM program created a jam packed, power punch incredible summer camp session.
Three full weeks of learning and they haven't realized it!!!
Three full weeks of interacting with kids they had never met before and learning it will always work best when putting aside the differences and feeling empowered because the common points reinforce the interaction.
Three full weeks of learning patience, laughing during silly moments and making new friends.
We are not done yet... and most are asking when can they come back!!!
As an educator, for 3 yrs in this program... we've achieved maturity from the educators and the students. Most attendees know each other and have welcomed the new ones with open arms.
65% of our attendees are girls - that is a major goal for the program. Yes, a new generation of future STEM marvels in the making.
This camp - its success - stems from all the community partners that have opened the doors to receive our students.
US Navy, Texas Instruments, HPA, Tennessee State University, McGavock HS Flying School, MTSU and, Nashville Flight Training.
They all presented activities that involved coding, programming, robotics, rocketry, drones, aerospace, flight simulators, physics and aerodynamics, ozobots.
Yes, all of this in 3 full and exciting weeks.
To present challenges to the students, seeking a response to learning is our goal. This is the EDP process at work (Engineering Design Process) and we can say, the students now understand how it works and its purpose. Yes, by challenging, pushing their brain to understand they cannot limit themselves because it is something they've never done before or they do not know the steps to make it happen. Yes, they are always being taught how to learn -- now at an increased degree of difficulty and feeling empowered they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
There are parents who joined our activities or supported in many ways the day to day happenings. From food, a hug, discipline... it all happened. We are ever so thankful!!!
I do not cease to be surprised and amazed by the capacity of our STEMgineers. They are still young and it is our responsibility to keep them productive, thinking, challenged while remaining human. We are doing our part. Please continue to do yours and support us. Thanks!!!
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