On the beautiful afternoon of September 20, 2023, we at Prairie STEM had the pleasure of collaborating with the dedicated educators of Howard Kennedy Elementary School in a dynamic one-hour professional development session. Our goal was to inject a burst of innovation and creativity into their teaching practices, focusing on the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.
Micro:bit Mastery
The session kicked off with the exploration of micro:bits, those marvels of technology that fit in the palm of your hand. In a whirlwind of activity, teachers engaged in hands-on learning, swiftly grasping the operations of micro:bits and uncovering their potential as potent educational tools. Micro:bits, designed to make coding and programming accessible to students of all ages, served as the catalyst for sparking curiosity and excitement in just one hour.
Teachers discovered streamlined ways to incorporate micro:bits into their curriculum, from teaching basic coding concepts to creating quick interactive projects. Witnessing educators embrace the power of micro:bits in such a condensed timeframe was truly inspiring for us at Prairie STEM.
3D Pens: Rapid Ideation
Simultaneously, in another room, the energy continued as teachers delved into the world of 3D pens. These innovative tools allow for the rapid transformation of imagination into tangible objects, a concept that became evident in the brief yet dynamic professional development session.
In just one hour, teachers explored the diverse applications of 3D pens, from enhancing art classes with swift hands-on sculpting experiences to integrating 3D design into everyday lessons. The efficiency with which our educators absorbed these concepts was a testament to their dedication and adaptability.
Expressing Our Gratitude
We extend our sincere appreciation to Howard Kennedy Elementary School for welcoming Prairie STEM into your community. The commitment of your teachers to the professional development process was truly commendable, and their enthusiasm spoke volumes about their dedication to providing an innovative and enriching educational experience for the students.
At Prairie STEM, we are driven by a passion for advancing STEM education, and the collaborative spirit we witnessed during this one-hour STEAM Burst at Howard Kennedy Elementary School was truly invigorating. We are excited to witness the transformative impact of these new tools and ideas as they take root in the classrooms.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of this inspiring journey, even in the midst of your busy schedules. Together, we are cultivating a culture of innovation and creativity at Howard Kennedy Elementary School.
