Dreaming About The Future
There was such a buzz of excitement in the air as professionals from across our region gathered together at Downey Elementary School to set up their tables for Career Day. As I helped set up the table for the Foundry, my anticipation rose for the arrival of all the 4th graders within Harrisburg School District.
There were so many wonderful careers represented for students to be exposed to. There were nurses, firemen, fishermen, military personnel, a judge and bankers just to name a few. The students were wide-eyed and exhilarated as they approached the tables to ask their questions.
Students were given questions ahead of time to ask the various professionals. One of the most exciting things for myself and my colleagues to see how engrossed the students were with the 3D printer we brought.
I loved being able to talk to students about all of the wonderful STEAM career opportunity possibilities.
One of the ways I tried to draw students in further and get them to thinking critically was by asking them the types of problems they would like to solve in the world. We discussed different ways 3D printing could be used to solve several of issues, one of which was creating limbs for people who have been injured.
It was exciting to watch students dreaming about their futures. I even had one student pick up a business card off the table and role play as if he was one of us. Not only was it adorable, it was powerfully impacting and shows the importance of exposure and access in education. Students will emulate what they are exposed to!
While at Career Day, the Foundry was invited to participate in another Community Event that will enable us to expose more children to developing technologies and help expand their dreams for the future! Isn't that what it's all about? We are looking forward to continued opportunities to creatively engage students.