Neuroscience, 3D printing and LEGOS: a new STEM program at Sweetwater Elementary

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Students at Sweetwater Elementary have been getting a unique introduction to science, technology, math and science thanks to a new pilot program through Space Training Adventure & Research Inc.

The STAR program is exclusive to Sweetwater students in kindergarten, first grade and fourth grade, and first started at the beginning of the school year in August. According to Sweetwater STEM Teacher Lacey Tobie the idea behind the program is to show the benefit of the new curriculum at the school in order for it to expand not only in Florida but throughout the U.S.

Shahinaz Millar, STAR Inc. president, teaches students about neuroscience. Photo by Nichole Osinski

"We want them to start early because what you're seeing through the United States is a huge focus on middle school and high school," Tobie said. "So there's so much these kids have the ability to learn at age five, six, seven."

Students spend 10 minutes in five different "STAR stations" where they learn about aerodynamics, neuroscience, coding, 3D printing and a LEGO STEM challenge in a hands-on classroom environment. Students go through all the cycles in one class period and follow a curriculum made by STAR Inc. and approved by Tobie beforehand.

Gary Duce talks with students during a cycle. Photo by Nichole Osinski

STAR Inc. interns from across the world come into the classroom to assist the students.

"To have that insight, and to have interns coming in from the European school systems as well, it give us one more perspective to add to it," Tobie said. "This is a fantastic and fun program."

Lacey Tobie and John McLeod with fourth grade students. Photo by Nichole Osinski

Gary Duce, STAR Inc. founder, said the pilot program was set up with the goal to understand how a new curriculum for students can make learning about STEM more engaging and be a learning experience they look forward to. He added that through this kind of program for young children he hopes to prepare the students for the following years in school as well as college afterward.

"If we get them at the youngest, at the kindergarten level, on up, by the time they get to high school they're looking forward to STEM," Duce said. "Colleges will seek them out because they're well prepared prior to that."