Developing a Child’s Curiosity for STEM

4/2/2018

The need for new innovators, thinkers, and problem solvers to fill the expanding job opportunities in STEM related fields is growing every year. The challenge in education is that most students have determined their opinion of math and science before they reach high school. So, how do we positively influence that opinion?

At Calvary Christian Academy we have taken this challenge very seriously by developing age appropriate STEM curriculum at every stage of a child’s educational journey. Through exciting, hands on experiences, our students are discovering just how much fun learning can be. Outside of the classroom, clubs and summer camps have been developed to further a child’s curiosity in the world of science, technology, engineering, and math.

“When you’re given an opportunity to work outside the box, you can actually see what you’re capable of.” —Sophia Angel

Our elementary “Cyber Eagles” robotics club has spent much of the year planning, building, and programing a robot for local competitions through VEX Robotics. VEX Competitions bring STEM skills to life through game-based engineering challenges played against other teams. Classroom concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications, and more.

”We still have a lot to learn, but it’s fun and challenging for all of us as we figure it out together.” —Alec McEwen

The character of our young students is also developed as they build friendships with students from other schools and seek to do more than win a challenge. Audrey Dannelly shares, “We aren’t just there to win, we want to help others succeed too so we try to offer advice when we can.”

In just it’s first full year as a club, the “Cyber Eagles” won 2nd place in the VEX World video challenge (see below) with a prize of $500 towards the program, and have been invited to compete in the U.S. Open Robotics Championship in Iowa.

We are praying for our students as they travel to face off against the best clubs and young builders in the nation April 2–4.

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