Kathy Agee, camp director for Engineering is Elementary
Photo Credit:
Amanda Pitts
A program hosted by the Regional
Math and Science Center has a new approach to advancing STEM
training for K-12 educators by combining their professional
development with opportunities to work with young students at a STEM camp.
This is the first year for the Engineering
is Elementary. The program, held this week, hosts professional
development for area teachers in the mornings; in the afternoons, the
teachers will practice using the curriculum they just learned to work
with the STEM camp's K-12 students, saId Kathy Agee, the camp's director.
Engineering is Elementary is an award-winning program developed by
the Museum of Science – Boston that encourages critical thinking and
problem-solving to help young learners think and act like engineers.
"The vision of the Regional Math and Science Center is
'Inspiring and engaging everyone in STEM.' We are here to support and
inspire both educators and students," Agee said. "We believe
this unique program combination of professional development and summer
STEM camp will give teachers and students skills and confidence in
engineering practices, which are required in the Michigan science standards."
Students will participate in activities on campus and enhance their
learning by touring the Barbara Kindschi Greenhouse for life sciences
training as well as studying bridgework on campus to help understand
forces and how to design a bridge, Agee said.
Camp participants will learn language arts and social studies, while
developing such skills as critical thinking, problem-solving and
collaboration, Agee said.
The professionals will also receive an Engineering is Elementary kit
to use in their schools.
Campers toured and participated in activities at the Sustainable Agricultural Project, Laker Esports Center, biology labs, Mary Idema Pew Library and AWRI.
Wave Lumina earned second place at the AquaHacking Challenge, a pitch competition in Traverse City for startups with technology focused on freshwater solutions.