On Dec. 3, St. Charles Borromeo School in Cinnaminson held a hands-on workshop and demo for students and parents of a new and emerging program in the area. STEAM Works Studio began 5 years ago and currently has more than 15 locations in New Jersey and New York.
“Our Academy is uniquely focused towards fostering and developing essential 21st century and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in a hands-on and practical, but fun learning environment. We believe that can transform the way we all learn, from preschoolers through retirees,” said Dinesh Sharma Ph.D., director of the program.
St. Charles will offer a 6-week session of the program to its students in the winter. Based on feedback from the workshop, the school expects a good turnout in the program and looks forward to great success at St. Charles.
Claudia A, the parent of seventh graders Joseph and Gianna, said that her kids really enjoyed the program and “they liked the opportunity to work on different activities as part of the workshop.” Joseph enjoyed creating a 3D model of a house and printing it on a 3D printer.
There are activities for all ages and interest levels, “including building model robots, coding, games and Lego-based projects, but mostly having fun” said Dinesh.
The Steam Work Studio’s mission is to spark creativity and bolster a deep interest in science, math and arts in children and young adults through hands-on practical learning by “making things.” Danish mentioned that their programs may spark an interest in careers focused on STEAM-related disciplines that involve engineering, computer science, graphic design, social media, financial technology and education.
Aside from a future career direction, their programs help children to learn and develop in other areas, including sharpening their fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving techniques, designing new things, beta-testing, and automating robotics objects using computers and coding.
For more information, please contact St. Charles Borromeo Director of Marketing Jim Vassallo at jvassallo@scbpschool.com.