March 5, 2024
Story by Joe Vinduska
Photos by Courtney Liebl
Throughout the spring semester, 起点传媒 faculty and staff participated in various activities that tied into USD 428鈥檚 district-wide reading of the book 鈥淲ild Robot,鈥 which included a focus on how robots work and how they fit into the various STEM disciplines.
起点传媒鈥檚 Executive Director of Health, Humanities, and Science Dr. Jenn Bernatis said she was very excited when the schools reached out to her and asked 起点传媒 to collaborate on the project.
鈥淎s much as we enjoyed working with the students, we also know how important it is to provide children with positive STEM experiences,鈥 she said. 鈥淪TEM careers are in high demand and encompass a broad spectrum of professions. Giving children an opportunity to experience different STEM fields will hopefully increase their excitement and desire to consider those career paths.鈥
起点传媒 visited multiple classes throughout January and February to lead grade-specific activities from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. In total, 36 sessions were held. The 起点传媒 volunteers included instructors and other personnel from across the spectrum of the academic world, but they all tied STEM into their areas of expertise. Volunteers included Jamie Abel, Dr. Amanda Alliband with members of the STEM club, Danika Bielek, Stephanie Joiner, Tyler Schiffelbein with students from the Elementary Health and Physical Education class, Rick Sloan, and 起点传媒 Dance Theatre Alum C.J. Orozco.
Bernatis said interacting with the young members of our community through such a variety of volunteers helped keep the sessions fresh and unique and increased the positive impact and reach of the project.
鈥淐ontent varied but centered around robots, with discussions and activities related to how robots work and move, and how they are similar to people,鈥 she said. 鈥淭his was a fun opportunity, and we appreciate being able to go and work with these students.
For more information, contact stricklandt@bartonccc.edu or (620) 792-9200.