MAKE A DIFFERENCE: STEAMlab 2016
From Lower School Director Dave Younkin
The Division Directors, Chris Singler, Terry Kessel, and I would like to develop a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematic Lab, STEAMlab, in an unused space in the Upper School Library.
In this day and age, all of us are clearly consumers of technology. We use our devices to communicate and connect with others, perform our work, entertain ourselves, and to learn. Many of us see this technology as somewhat “magical” due to our limited understanding of the science beneath the app or program. The STEAMlab at FSS will create a fundamental shift in the way our students view technology, turning them from passive consumers into active producers of technology. This shift allows children an understanding and sense of agency over the tools they are using, and better prepares them for the future they will enter as adults.
In an inquiry-based and student-centered approach, students from lower school through upper school will have regular exposure to this lab where hands-on activities and materials allow children to learn about the potential of technology in our society. Within our STEAMlab children will learn how to code, make a computer, create electronic crafts, develop an app, or build and program a robot. In this space,where they are exploring and producing new technologies, students develop key 21st Century skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and procedural literacy.
Help FSS teach our children to design the future, by funding this STEAMlab - turning our students from consumers of technology into producers of technology.
To create our STEAMlab we need to fund the following purchases.
Professional Development: Teachers will need additional time for planning and teaching, as well as significant academic technology support.
Supplies: Ozobot 2.0 bit, Ozobot starter pack, Ozobot, washable markers , Ozoblocky , Sphero, Dash and Dot, mBot - STEM Educational Robot Kit, Kano, Raspberry Pi, Arduino Uno, Snap Circuits, Little Bits, We Do Lego 2.0, NXT Lego, EV3 Lego, Bee Botz (Blue Bot):, Bee Botz card mat: , Big Shot Cameras, Squishy Circuits, DIY Synth, and Hummingbird