STEAM Launch inspires young learners to engage in discovery, critical thinking

Public invited to student showcase, STEAM Factory of hands-on activities

The Kutztown Area School District will host its STEAM Launch Event on Feb. 16 at Kutztown Area Middle School, starting at 6 p.m.

“Our goal is to inspire young learners to engage in a process of discovery and critical thinking through creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning,” said Kutztown Area School District Director of Educational Technology Scott Hand. “We desire to connect our community to learning activities that extend beyond the school day where curiosity and design is fostered in every child.”

The STEAM Launch Event will feature and showcase the district commitment to an integrated approach to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The event will inaugurate multiple new initiatives for the district as we prepare our students to be “future ready,” equipped with next generation skills and habits that transcend learning and location.

“At the event, the district will announce several new and innovative projects including our digital equity initiative, STEAM curriculum and program vision, catalyst grants for teachers, and introduce our new STEAM Resource Library,” said Hand.

The evening program of the STEAM Launch Event will introduce the new DaVinci Media Arts Studio, the new KT-Connect broadband equity program, the new STEAM Resource Library, the new STEAM Vision 2020, the new Curriculum and Programs for 2018 (K-12 Computer Science, Design, Engineering), and the new Catalyst Grant.

Also that night will be the STEAM Factory, a center for immersive experiences in interactive design and integrated STEAM activities. The STEAM Factory will feature hands-on stations and centers including experiences in virtual reality, motion capture, maker space and design, drone flight, coding and programming activities, design challenges, and multimedia experiences. Hosted in the Kutztown Area Middle School, the STEAM Factory is the merging of the annual SciTech event and last year’s Interactive Digital Studio and will be open for students during the school day and open to the public and media from 6 to 9 p.m.

“The event will feature our art show, science fair, and immersive experiences with music, virtual and augmented reality, maker spaces, robotics, and interactive exhibits,” said Hand.

Student events that night include Fifth Grade Science Fair, Interactive Jazz Band Performance of Music, Media & Arts, and Student Art Show, Schedule of events:

6 - 6:45 p.m. Interactive Music, Art Show, Showcase Tables

6:45 - 7:30 p.m. Awards + Launch Announcements

7:30 - 9 p.m. Factory Floor Opens, Art Show

For more informtion, visit STEAM Factory weblink at https://www.kasd. org/Page/2909.