Washington Catholic School students learn the new technology that’s part of the school’s Design and Innovation Studio. Submitted photo
Special to The Message
In partnership with Vincennes University and Purdue’s Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), Vincennes’ Flaget Elementary School and Washington Catholic Elementary School in Washington hosted ribbon-cutting events Nov. 22 for the opening of their new Design and Innovation Studios for early education.
VU President Chuck Johnson provided remarks from Vincennes University, while Sascha Harrell with Purdue IN-MaC was also present. Flaget Principal Samantha McClure, as well as Washington Catholic Elementary School Principal Kelsi Edwards and Washington Catholic Middle/High School Principal Karie Craney were all present at their respective events. Educators from both schools were also present, as well as students to run the technology.
The ribbon cutting was an opportunity to celebrate the new equipment and technology and show the schools’ commitment to STEM education for students. The studios mark Vincennes University’s 11th and 12th D&I Studios in the region. The D&I studios are part of a large initiative VU is taking to develop STEM education exploration at the elementary/intermediate levels.
Dedicated to STEM and early career awareness, the D&I Studio provides students access to Industry 4.0 technology and other cutting-edge innovations. Students can also use the studio’s 3D printing, robotics, Spheros and LittleBits, and can access 61 units and 213 standard-aligned dynamic lessons across five technologies.
According to organizers, the studio model provides students with access to STEM opportunities earlier and facilitates the integration of STEM education with work, community and the global economy, promoting the acquisition of crucial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration. The studio ensures inclusive and equitable quality education focused on early access to STEM technology and a holistic approach to education, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ultimately preparing students for future challenges. The studios provide hands-on experience with additive manufacturing, robotics, coding, engineering and science learning modules.
Flaget Principal Samantha McClure said partnering with VU to implement the D&I Studio has been “nothing but a positive experience.”
“Simply exposing students to the tools and devices that have been made available to us through this initiative has opened up a world of opportunities for our students,” McClure said. “Mrs. Jones, our STEM teacher, has done a phenomenal job of relating the learning that is happening in the studio to careers in the real world and has given students (and teachers) the opportunity to relate what they have learned to real-world careers through various field trips.”
As a school, McClure said they discuss how grateful they are to have strong partnerships with community organizations that enrich students’ learning experiences. Kindergarten through fifth-grade Flaget students visit the D&I Studio once a week.
“I have been impressed with the way students are able to articulate what they are learning and how the equipment works,” McClure said. “They have taken such pride and ownership in their learning. We are so blessed and grateful for the private donors who financially supported the purchase of required computers, furniture and supplemental materials to make this D&I Studio possible.”
Flaget Elementary School students run some of the new technology in the Design and Innovation Studio. Submitted photo