S.T.E.M. Programs

What is S.T.E.M.?

S.T.E.M. is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (sometimes also known as S.T.E.A.M. adding A for Art). These programs are focused on teaching children the fundamentals of how to do projects and learn about each of these subjects with the aim of making it fun, engaging, and interesting enough that children will want to continue to learn about these subjects in the future. Often, there is a focus on girls within the program, as these are seen as traditionally male dominated subjects.

Our S.T.E.M. Programs

Running on a grant from September to May, we have recently been able to purchase a variety of S.T.E.M. focused activities for ages 4 to 12.

Learn to Code With… Series

Robot Mouse (ages 4-7)

Develops:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Coding Skills
  • Problem Solving
The Code & Go Robot Mouse teaches coding with a series of buttons on Mouse that you can use to solve mazes so that Mouse reaches the cheese. This program encourages curiosity, creates understanding, and teaches children that they can accomplish what they set out to do.

Dash and Dot (ages 6-12)

Develops:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Coding Skills
  • Problem Solving

Using Wonder Workshop’s Dash and Dot robots and a tablet, children can use coding to program Dash to run a maze, perform tricks, shoot balls with a catapult, and create a xylophone marching band. Dot can mimic any sound the children can think of and perform light shows. These robots are so fun to play with, the children almost forget they are learning.

 

Ozobots (ages 8-12)

Develops:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Coding Skills
  • Problem Solving

Using lines and color coding language, Ozobot will follow instructions children give with pre-programed color codes. Ozobot can also be used online with a tablet to create choreographed dances, and using Blockly on a computer or tablet, simple to complex programs can be created to make Ozobot run a program without the use of lines.

 

Learn Engineering With… Series

Snap Circuits Jr. (ages 8-12)

Develops:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Engineering Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Understanding of Electricity

Provided with 101 experiments, children learn how electricity works as they build circuits to turn off and on fans, lights, and make sounds with Snap Circuits Jr. by Elenco.