Starting the fall of 2016, Saint Justin piloted a lunchtime STEAM club, where students can learn technology skills and how to innovate for tomorrow’s workforce. Students use a LEGO Mindstorms robot, a New Matter 3-D Printer, and coding lessons from code.org. They have quickly learned the essentials for computer programming and design thinking.
“It’s very interesting learning to code and using the 3-D printer,” says Mitchell, a member of the club. The code.org resources have helped the students’ ability to program, and they are able to create designs and print them on the 3-D printer.
The club gives students the opportunity to try new things and to make mistakes, a key component of design thinking.
“I think it is important for students of all ages to learn technology through a hands-on curriculum,” says fellow student Andrew. The hands-on approach is very helpful, especially with being able to program robotics.
The STEAM club has been a resounding success, and Saint Justin looks forward to expanding in 2017.