Steam Makers, Lab: Club de desafíos STEM creativos

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) 
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Fall 2024:

Week of September 1:  Spin and Make (monthly show and tell week)
Week of September 7: STEAM Challenge Cards
Week of September 14: ANIMAL CHALLENGES CHOICE BOARD
Week of September 21: STEAM Jeopardy (Challenge-filled game board)
Week of September 29: STEAM Challenge Cards
Week of October 6: Spin + Make plus monthly show-and-tell
Week of October 13: Awesome October Challenge cards
Week of October 20: Cardboard Challenge (cardboard will be our main ingredient for all challenges)
Week of October 27: Spooky STEAM Challenges
Week of November 3: SPACE-themed STEAM Challenges PLUS Monthly Show+Tell
Week of November 10: Sports-themed STEM Challenges Wheel
Week of November 17: Hybrid Generator Challenge Wheel
Week of November 24: Makers' Choice Board
Week of December 1: Spin and Make (monthly show and tell week)
Week of December 8:
Week of December 15:
Week of December 22: (NO CLASS 12/24, 12/25, 12/26)
Week of December 29: (NO CLASS 12/31, 1/1)

Winter 2025

Future themes TBD based on teacher selection and student interest/preference.