Children in Fort Smith now have an opportunity get acquainted with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at an early age, thanks to a newly created room the local Aurora College campus.
"We are incredibly grateful to Aurora College for this new space," said outreach coordinator Hilary Turko. "We plan to have it staffed after school so that students can drop in, play chess and use the 3D printer. The youth activities we develop are aimed at youth aged eight and older but we always welcome younger children with adult supervision."
The new space doesn't have a name yet SA国际影视传媒� the team behind it is currently mulling over options SA国际影视传媒� but it had its grand opening on Nov. 8, which also happened to be national STEM day.
The grand opening was well attended, according to Turko, with more than 30 people filling the space to check out what was an offer.
"We had kids, families, adults, Aurora College staff and GNWT partners come by to see the new space," she said. "We rely on the partnerships we have built over the past several years and are thrilled to see the support continue."
Based on what Turko saw, the youngsters at the grand opening took an immediate interest in the "fantastic variety of resources" in the room, including the 3D printer, as well as laser cutters, Tricut tools, sewing machines, cardboard building kits and a range of books and games.
That was precisely the objective.
"The STEM outreach that we do is aimed at engaging youth in sciences and new technologies," said Turko. "At the opening, we showcased some of the robots we use for workshops, and set up computers for 3D design and printing. Kids stayed busy trying out these activities. There were also opportunities for visitors to try out tools and decorate our walls with animals made on our laser cutter. There were smiles everywhere."
Getting youth interested in the STEM fields has long been a priority for Aurora College staff. Even before the new room opened, Turko and her colleague Whitney Tsetso were organizing "TinkerLabs" at the Fort Smith campus. The labs are intended to keep kids busy on STIP (Strengthening Teacher Instructional Practices) days, while their parents are at work.
"The TinkerLab started a year ago as a response to a community need," she explained. "Our local elementary school has most of its STIP time on Friday afternoons, creating a need for programming during the early afternoons on those days. Whitney and I run the TinkerLab together, offering one-hour workshops on everything from building circuits and exploring robotics to using a variety of tools and printing presses."
Jobs in the STEM fields tend to pay relatively well, which implies a bright financial future for the youngsters that take an early interest. However, getting youth involved in these fields will also have long-term, territory-wide benefits, according to Turko.
"Getting young people in the North interested in STEM is crucial because it empowers them to explore solutions to local challenges," she said. "Building STEM skills gives young people some of the tools they need to protect their land, discover sustainable energy options and help make plans for the future of their communities.
"When youth see value and relevance to the things they are learning, they are inspired to pursue them. Getting youth excited about STEM opens up career opportunities in fields that are in demand in the North. By seeing themselves in these fields, young people are more likely to stay engaged and bring valuable ideas that reflect the unique needs and perspectives of their regions and communities."
