STEAM is in the Air at the CCC

Author: Jess McCormick, STEAM Coordinator
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According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEAM (Science Technology Engineering ART and Mathematics) careers are growing at a rapid rate and CCC’s Out-of-School Time staff are hard at work preparing our future scientists, engineers, computer programmers and mathematicians.

Our kids always say they like learning using hands on, fun activities and the CCC provides plenty of those opportunities. With the weather warming up, one of the most popular outdoor science activities is learning in our organic garden. Digging in the dirt, a "Center Kid" favorite, is often turned into an on the spot science lesson by providing magnifying glasses and bug facts. Kids also participate in weekly classes designed to teach the science behind growing food.

Another favorite activity, Minecraft, is going strong as well. Right now, kids in the Minecraft program are using their critical thinking skills to build and survive in a Hunger Games world. Soon, they will also be using the website www.code.org to complete Minecraft themed activities while learning basic computer programming. 

In addition to our weekly activities, kids at the CCC have been learning science informally through trips to the Museum of Science and classroom activities. In our Jerry’s classroom, kids are always using math through games and activities. Latifah’s class loves practicing hands-on engineering through building Lego cars and learning about Earth Science by collecting rocks. The summer will provide even more of these opportunities for STEAM learning to continue enrichment even as school is out of session. 

Stay tuned for more news about CCC’s STEAM activities including our recent selection by the Museum of Science to run a pilot class on Engineering over the summer!