CLEVELAND — Gone are the days of simply sitting in a classroom reading a textbook.
Now, some students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District are taking a hands-on approach to learning using innovative technology with the help of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Goodyear.
The partnership created a unique STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) lab at Valley View Academy.
The school district unveiled the new work lab to students on Wednesday.
“It’s our job as educators to take it from cool to learning to careers,” said Sarah Prendergast Wallace, a STEAM educator for the school district.
Elijah Barham may still be in grade school, but he’s got it all figured out.
“I want to be a person that has a good company,” Barham said when asked what he wanted to be when he got older.
It’s a goal that has a good chance to become reality thanks to this innovative way he and his classmates at Valley View Academy are learning.
“I’m trying to build a pencil holder,” he said, while using 3D design tools inside the new STEAM lab.
Students at Valley View will now be able to get hands-on experience working with everything from 3D printers to laser cutters to other innovative design tools.
“It’s not just about making some cute little robots or doing a little project, but connecting with … possible STEM careers,” said Prendergast Wallace. “It’s about getting these kids excited about learning, about making, and then helping them figure out ways to change their lives with a STEM career.”
