STEAM PROGRAMS
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education provides an avenue for formally teaching the inter-relationships of how subjects relate in real-life. STEAM education can be enjoyable and meaningfully delivered in more engaging and deeply embedding ways within the already well-established realm of education because it aims to bring functional literacy to all.
WHY STEAM?
Through our STEAM Lab, Best of the Batch Foundation inspires children to become reengaged in math and science, to reach new academic goals, and to discover new career opportunities. Our kiddos are continuously inspired and excited by hands-on interaction with the lab’s audio and visual recording and editing equipment, 3D printing design and creation, block-coding based robotics, and architectural challenges. They enjoy being able to have the creative freedom to express themselves through a variety of technological mediums. Through this project-based learning style, children not only sharpen their technological skills- but also build upon their written and social-emotional expression, teamwork, and presentation skills. The skills learned and utilized within the STEAM Lab allow them to try and fail, and try again, teaching them resiliency and challenging their creativity. The skills built with the assistance of the STEAM Lab allow students to learn differently and more creatively in and out of school, provide an outlet for healthy creative expression, and prepare them for future education and career success.
STEAM CHALLENGES
Children also build problem-solving skills through different STEAM “challenges”. These challenges are structured to teach children through a hands-on activity. Within these challenges, children are given a limited amount of materials and time to solve a problem or complete a challenge. For example, during one of our challenging activities, children groups were tasked with building the tallest structure by just using a box of toothpicks and a bag of mini marshmallows. By participating in these STEAM challenges, Best of the Best Foundation strives to nurture children's unique skill sets that allow them to learn in alternative ways.
CGI CODING CLUB
In partnership with CGI, Inc. (global information technology consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, and solutions company), Middle School children are invited to advance their coding skills through weekly project-based learning. Using the coding program, Scratch, children have coded their own video games, formatted their own virtual storybooks, composed an original song, and more!
GEEK SQUAD ACADEMY
Geek Squad Academy is dedicated to teaching children in a fun, interactive learning environment about the latest in technology. Children are taught block coding through interactive play with BB8 robots, design, and architecture as they digitally design their dream house, make their own music through GarageBand, and learn the basics of website programming and design through a hands-on activity.
For our 4th through 7th-grade participants, this is often the first exposure to interactive technology. With lessons that relate back to the academic classroom, participating students are able to apply the alternative learning skills of Geek Squad Academy to enhance their studies.