Torah Academy Hamilton STEM Lab:
“Quick, we need cardboard, a screwdriver, and measuring tape! We’re about to learn about how parachutes work on spacecraft!”
Just a year ago, this request from a 6th grade girl would have been met with a quizzical shrug. Today, it’s met with a smile and an exciting visit to the new Torah Academy STEM Makerspace.
When all you have is a hammer, every challenge looks like a nail. But when you have a hammer, drill, power saw, circuit design kits, 3D printers, glue, screws, dowels, lumber, and more, every challenge becomes an opportunity to explore, discover, test, revise, and hone understanding and skills.
With significant support from the Miriam Fund, a CJP philanthropic community of women seeking to advance programs to support girls and women, girls at Torah Academy now have a robust lab equipped with the resources to promote exploration and inquiry across STEM subjects. The Miriam Fund grant was recently awarded to TA for a third year.
Additionally, an innovative mobile cart system makes it easier for teachers to integrate STEM learning into their classrooms. With abundant creative materials and tools so close at hand, teachers are quick to incorporate hands-on activities and demonstrations into their STEM lessons.
Students in grades 4-8 use the lab and carts to build their engineering-based science fair projects. They also use them as a regular part of their science classes, with future plans to incorporate 3D printing, robotics, coding, and engineering.
Faculty of younger grades will participate in professional development sessions. The lessons will equip teachers with new skills to expand their curricula to incorporate more open-ended STEM activities and harness the full range of possibilities afforded by the maker space.
Torah Academy believes building 21st-century skills and STEM fluency starts with instilling a sense of curiosity, and problem-solving skills, and fostering excitement and passion for STEM. Torah Academy students will emerge with a foundational mindset of “I can figure this out.” Thanks to the Miriam Fund and TA’s dedicated educators, students are well on their way to shaping their 21st-century goals.
