Let's Make @ CCA & SciTech!
In the educational world, the month of September is always in the spotlight. It is a time when school starts and there are a lot of new things happening. At the Foundry Makerspace, all three of us Fellows are working hard to make the connections as the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) programming starts to come online at the schools.
During the first half of the month we’ve been meeting with Principals and other school official’s (Cheryl Capozzoli & Ross Berger) to gain a better idea of the big picture view at the District level. This involves a goal of developing K-12 pathways. One of the exciting elements as being a Fellow is to help see the small and large scale goals and develop ways to achieve them. I am also excited that I can see the links between Camp Curtin Academy Middle School and SciTech High School.
During the week of September 12th, the Harrisburg School District held their annual open houses. This is always a great way for the school to showcase what it has to offer students and parents. I had a great time meeting family members and students looking for additional after school activities. A makerspace can fulfill a role of providing outlets for learning, outside the traditional sports or music realms offered within a school. Areas of Computer Science, Electronics, Robotics, and 3D Printing allow students to expand on classroom learning.
Immersing Oneself in Technology:
One example of this is the FIRST Tech Challenge. For 13+ years, Robert Steps has been involved in this robotics competition. Last year the SciTech team went to the state championship. This year the club hopes to really showcase robotics for Central PA. Mr. Steps after school club has around 15 students, and they have grouped up to design 4 different robots. I helped put together this year’s competition field. I must admit that it is quite the challenge. I encourage you to watch the animation that was released during the FIRST Tech Challenge Kickoff on 9/10/16.
Each team is focused to face a scrimmage challenge on Saturday November 5, at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, PA. FIRST Tech Challenge PA 2016-2017 Season. The excitement around this competition can expand down into the middle schools of Camp Curtin Academy and Marshall Math & Science Academy. All of the Foundry Fellows are working to help build the capacity to grow these connections through the school year.
The Community Component:
Outside the classroom, the Foundry helps to make a bridge between volunteers and desired projects within a school. One such project began last year during an MLK Jr Day of Service Project. A group of individuals from the United Way of the Capital Region, lent their artistic abilities to complete 8 murals to be hung at Camp Curtin Academy. The theme were the 7 Habits, which connect to the Leader in Me program. For my next post, I hope to have a picture of the banners hung in the hallway leading down to the Foundry Makerspace and AV Studio.
Habit 1 — Be Proactive
Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind
Habit 3 — Put First Things First
Habit 4 — Think Win-Win
Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Habit 6 — Synergize
Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw
Lights, Camera, "Our Story": In saving the best for last, the excitement within the Harrisburg School District, and more specifically at CCA, was a visit from Governor Tom Wolf on Wednesday, September 21st. The Governor was on his “Schools that Teach” tour, and stopped in to see the Smart Lab / STEM Lab & AV Studio. I had the pleasure of providing an overview of the AV Studio for the Governor and other Officials. While the studio was still being put together, I showed the visitors a 3D Sketchup model of the former Band Room. Principal Leroy McClain explained the idea of a “Harrisburg backdrop” where students could tell their stories about their successes. Since the Governor’s visit the AV Studio was completed and today (9/29/16) I completed my training with the STEM Education Teachers, Jennifer Monaghan & Robin Douglass. Jenn works with Camp Curtin Academy, and Robin at Rowland Academy. Jenn has reached out to other teachers, to assemble (4) 7th graders & (4) 8th graders, who will become CCA’s School Broadcasting Team. I look forward to helping this group and all the other teachers showcase the creative pursuits of Harrisburg students.
