The STE(A)M truck will be parked at Burgess-Peterson Academy for 20 days.
By Leslie Rivera
Curious second and third graders at Burgess-Peterson Academy got their first hands-on experience with the school’s new STE(A)M truck this week. Students were able to touch and play with items on the mobile learning facility which is dedicated to the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math experience.
Burgess-Peterson Academy students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math on the STE(A)M truck.
The truck serves as a mobile innovation lab and allows students to tackle problems using real tools and modern technology under the guidance of community experts. Children and local artists worked together to tinker, design and build solutions in a fun, educational environment. The students’ first challenge was to create an object made of paper using at least three folds that could hold pennies. The student whose design held the most pennies won.
Principal Robin Robbins is excited that students have the opportunity to collaborate at this level. “I am hopeful that my students will take advantage of authentic learning by engaging in projects which use critical thinking and problem-solving while sparking students’ interest in STEAM related careers,” said Ms. Robbins.
Community Guilds, which operates the truck, facilitated funding from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA). The grant allows student access to the mobile maker for 20 days.
Burgess-Peterson Students take on a challenge in the STE(A)M truck.
Principal Robbins applauds the non-traditional approach, “Globally students must begin to learn how to collaborate on real world issues with teams. The experience will also hopefully launch our students into careers and educational opportunities where minorities have been underrepresented. Having the STEAM truck here for 20 consecutive days will allow my students the opportunity to execute a plan from beginning to end”.
The truck will be parked at Burgess-Peterson until the end of the school year, a great way to make a lasting impression on these inspiring young minds!
