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Steam Makers' Lab: Creative STEM Challenge Club

Grab your LEGO® bricks, magna-tiles, clay, cardboard, paper, tape, blocks--whatever inspires you to make cool stuff! Weekly challenges will engage learners in creative hands-on experimentation. An inclusive space for play-based learning.
Shiny Happy Kids Alexandra McCarty STEM DINOS ART
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5.0
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(832)
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What's included

1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

US Grade 1 - 4
Beginner Level
Welcome to our exciting STEAM Makers' Lab, a CREATIVE STEM Exploration Class designed specifically for budding young scientists, engineers, and artists! 

As parents, we understand the importance of fostering creativity and critical thinking skills in our children from an early age. That's why we've crafted a unique and engaging learning experience that combines STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) principles with hands-on, imaginative activities (A for Art = STEAM!).

What to Expect:

1. Weekly Creative STEM Challenges:

Each week, our experienced instructors present dynamic STEM challenges that inspire children to think outside the box.  Challenges may involve constructing structures with LEGO® bricks or other building toys, using household items such as cardboard boxes, string, and tape to craft new objects, molding shapes with playdough and clay, or expressing their ideas through drawing or painting.  Learners may choose whichever medium they prefer for these assignments.

These hands-on challenges will not only enhance problem-solving skills but also encourage flexible thinking, collaboration, and innovation.

2. Show and Tell Time:

Once a month, we will have a "Makers Show and Shine" time (usually the first week of the month).
We believe in celebrating each child's unique creativity. Our class includes dedicated show and tell time, allowing participants to proudly showcase their completed challenges and share the thought process behind their creations.  This segment promotes public speaking skills, boosts confidence, and creates a supportive environment for children to appreciate and learn from one another.

If time permits, learners will show off completed creative works from home to their fellow students, such as art projects, brick builds, crafts, etc.  

3. Class Size:

With a limited class size, learners will receive lots of personalized attention from our instructors, fostering a more interactive and focused learning experience.

4. Why Creative STEM (STEAM!)?

STEAM education is crucial for developing skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. However, we go beyond the basics by incorporating creativity into the mix--that's the added "A" in STEAM--the Arts!

By combining STEM concepts with creative challenges, we aim to instill a love for learning and problem-solving while nurturing your child's artistic expression.

5. Our Instructors:

Our passionate and experienced instructors are dedicated to providing a positive and supportive learning environment for your child.  They understand the developmental needs of young children and tailor each class to suit the age group, ensuring a fun and enriching experience.  This class is wonderful for any learner, especially ADHD, ASD or other neurodivergent children.

2024 Summer Weekly Schedule:

Week of July 7: Spin and Make (monthly show and tell week)
Week of July 15: STEAM Challenge Cards
Week of July 22: Summer STEAM Choice Board (pick a challenge from a set of summer-themed challenges)
Week of July 28: STEAM Jeopardy (Challenge-filled game board)
Week of August 4: Summer Games/Olympics Building Challenges — PLUS Monthly Show and Tell (bring something you’ve made!)
Week of August 11: Paper Party! (Paper-only STEAM challenges)
Learning Goals
1. Problem-Solving Skills:

Develop critical thinking abilities by engaging in weekly STEM challenges that require logical reasoning and creative problem-solving.
Encourage children to explore different solutions and strategies to overcome obstacles presented in each activity.

2. STEM Principles:

Introduce foundational concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on, age-appropriate activities.
Foster an early interest in STEM fields by making learning fun and interactive.

3. Creativity and Imagination:

Cultivate and nurture a child's natural creativity through activities involving LEGO building, playdough modeling, clay sculpting, and drawing.
Inspire imaginative thinking by encouraging children to express their ideas freely during the creative challenges.

4. Collaboration and Communication:

Promote teamwork and collaboration by providing opportunities for children to work together on group projects and challenges.
Enhance communication skills through the show and tell segment, where children articulate their thoughts and ideas about their creations.

5. Confidence Building:

Boost self-esteem by allowing children to proudly showcase their completed challenges during show and tell time.
Create a supportive and positive environment that encourages children to take risks, try new things, and believe in their abilities.

6. Fine Motor Skills:

Develop fine motor skills through hands-on activities such as building with LEGO, molding playdough, shaping clay, and drawing.
Enhance hand-eye coordination and dexterity through the manipulation of various materials.

7. Public Speaking Skills:

Build confidence in public speaking by providing a platform for children to share their thoughts and experiences during show and tell time.
Encourage articulate communication and self-expression in a supportive setting.

8. Love for Learning:

Instill a positive attitude towards learning by making the educational experience enjoyable, engaging, and relevant to children's interests.
Foster a lifelong love for exploration, discovery, and acquiring new knowledge.

9. Individualized Attention:

Ensure that each child receives personalized attention within the small class size, allowing for a tailored learning experience that meets their unique needs.

By incorporating these learning goals into our classes, we aim to provide a well-rounded and enriching educational experience that not only prepares children for future academic challenges but also nurtures their innate curiosity and creativity.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
Shiny Happy Kids is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, affirming space for all kinds of learners. Growing up as neurodivergent and gifted kids, our ND teachers understand the need for classrooms where everyone gets to shine!
Parental Guidance
Allergy Note: Playdough may contain wheat, which could cause an allergic reaction if ingested in those sensitive to wheat gluten or with Celiac disease. I am happy to provide a recipe for gluten-free playdough upon request, or suggest alternative supplies. Please provide adult assistance with cutting/scissor-use as needed per the parents' discretion and child's ability.
Supply List
For most challenges, learners will be given the choice as to whether they prefer to build it, sculpt it, or draw it. Each week, we will use some or all of the following (learners may choose the creative maker supplies they prefer): Paper and pencil, construction paper, colored pencils/markers/crayons, building/construction blocks/toys (ie plastic building bricks), small manipulatives, sculpting materials such as clay, sculpey, or playdough, glue stick, scissors (adult assistance may be necessary), plain white paper plates, straws, popsicle sticks, tape, etc. Learners are encouraged to create a STEAM "go bag"--a kit or designated space filled with brain-boosting creative supplies, such as good quality drawing/coloring supplies, building blocks, manipulatives, clay and playdough, containers and boxes to use for construction, aluminum foil, string, glue and glue sticks, pipecleaners, etc. Please reach out to the instructor if you are unsure what items are suitable for class.
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Shiny Happy Kids teachers have been working with students ages 3-18 in a variety of settings, from art schools and STEAM labs to libraries, summer camps, forest school, and even RPG game tables.  One thing we all have in common is a dedication to creating safe, positive, inclusive spaces and experiences where kids can connect, experiment, be challenged, share their passions, and just be their wonderful selves.  We want you to SHINE!

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Live Group Class
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$12

weekly
1x per week
30 min

Completed by 22 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-11
4-8 learners per class

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