Nonprofit organization CODE313 hosted its annual STEAM Slam at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit, partnering with the Detroit Pistons and Motor City Cruise to bring students a fun day of learning.
The event featured a variety of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math stations, teaching students about topics in each subject. These activities took STEAM concepts and incorporated them into fun games, engaging students deeper than a presentation or worksheet might. Stations included drone basketball, robot-building, and virtual reality.
Jazmine Pickens, the school’s library technician specialist, led Detroit Enterprise’s group at STEAM Slam. She shared that students enjoyed the opportunity to learn about STEAM concepts and how they apply outside the classroom.
“Throughout the field trip, students could build, experiment, and problem solve,” Pickens said. “From coding activities to engineering challenges and creative design projects, each experience encouraged critical thinking and collaboration.”
This critical thinking in a real-world setting was the perfect accompaniment to students’ curriculum in STEAM concepts. Seeing these concepts in action showed students what is possible when they apply what they learn in class. It also gave them a glimpse into different STEAM-related career paths, inspiring them to achieve and prepare for life ahead.
STEAM Slam was a free event for students and connected them with community STEAM partners and resources. Thanks to these investments in Detroit students, they are well on their way to making meaningful contributions in STEAM industries later in life.
“It was a fun and meaningful day that reinforced what we are learning in class while showing students the exciting possibilities that STEAM education can offer,” Pickens said.
What a great field trip! Keep up the great work, Ms. Pickens, and all of Detroit Enterprise!
About Detroit Enterprise Academy
Detroit Enterprise Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Detroit Enterprise Academy's blog to read more stories like this.