Since the world wide web went live in August 1991, it has revolutionized nearly every aspect of our daily lives.
Computers have been joined by thermostats, washers and dryers, and ovens on the list of household amenities that can connect to the internet and be controlled by software coding. This has in turn generated a revamping of education, adding new components to what used to be deemed the basics.
Biology, earth science, addition and algebra are no longer a sufficient overview of the subgenres of science and math that children need to learn and understand if they are to be successful members of society.
The term STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, has been adopted by those seeking to fill the newfound gaps in learning. According to an article by Russell Tytler for Deakin University, “STEM is becoming aligned with advocacy of interdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning.”
A team of parents and teachers interested in bringing STEM education to Artesia’s students organized a coding camp July 12-14 for second- through fifth-graders at the Bulldog Training Center inside the Artesia Public Schools Administration Building.
Once split into groups, the second- and third-graders were introduced to basic coding concepts, like the concept of collisions and loops, using crafts and games such as origami and freeze tag.
The fourth- and fifth-graders were given access to equipment from the APS Discovery Center, which features Ozobots and Spherobolts from the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation STEM Centers.
According to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation website, Ozobots respond to simple communication coding so the students are able to easily design mazes and racetracks the robots then follow, while Spherobolts use an educational app that allows more advanced coders to design by completing drawings or writing JavaScript.
Kaitlynn Hirst, local mother and camp organizer, brought the event to Artesia because she believes in the importance of “tech literacy” and the benefits STEM can bring to students. She felt the camp was a “really great success,” not only because the students had fun, but also because of the connections some students were able to make between the concepts they learned and “things they see in daily life.”
On top of this, many students made friends with children from other schools, as the 62 attendees included kids from each of the local elementary schools.
Hirst stated the camp is sure to be a summer staple and will be repeated next year. She attributed this year’s success to support from the PY Foundation, Devon Energy, the Estelle Yates Foundation, and other donors as well as the many volunteers who supervised and assisted the children as they played and learned.
The APS Elementary Science Coordinators and other adults named included Desarare Pitts, Rosemary Boswell, Felicia and Sugar Velasquez, Cindy Sanchez, Bernice Gutierrez, and Jessica Morgan, all of whom were instrumental in the camp’s success.
