Virtual Full STEaM Ahead
Have you heard about the ‘FULL STEaM AHEAD’ program?
Are you wanting to learn how to assist members of the community to live a vibrant and happy life?
During to Covid lockdowns, Akorn Education delivered an online ‘Virtual FULL STEaM AHEAD’ program. Programs like this can be attended by students regardless of their location. A stable internet connection is required for scheduled group conference calls.
The program is designed to allow students to work flexibly throughout the week. There will be group online conference calls on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Students can choose if they want to work individually or be allocated into a group and collaborate online.
Student Feedback
Harriet
I have really enjoyed working with Akorn through the week. I have gained a lot of new knowledge that will help me understand what someone with a disability experiences. I am really driven to become an Engineer and am grateful that this program gave me a good experience in designing a product.
Aliese
I really enjoyed this program because it gave us the chance to complete a project that meant something in real life. We weren’t just given a brief that meant nothing to us, we learnt about people with disabilities and then figured out a way to improve their lives. I also loved designing 3D printing designs and using the 3D printers. This program helped me to realize what engineers actually do, and I now realize that it is a possible career path. This program has had a big impact on me and I will remember it for a long time.
During the program, students learn:
– Empathy Building
– Design Thinking
– Product Development
– 3D Design
– Professional skills such as; Teamwork, Presentation & Leadership
The program is also a great way to make new friends and have fun!
“I have really enjoyed working with you through the week. I have gained a lot of new knowledge that will help me understand what someone with a disability experiences. I am really driven to become an Engineer and am grateful that this program gave me a good experience in designing a product.” Harriet, 2020
Program Background:
In a recent World Report on Disability, it is estimated that 1 in 5 people globally has a disability, which in Australia is calculated to be 4.27 million people. The majority of these people experience social exclusion, discrimination and lack of access to fully participate in society due to the barriers such as built environment and negative attitudes. Responding to this challenge, students will collaborate to generate ideas and develop assistive/enabling technologies that will overcome said barriers. During the program students will be supported by the Akorn Educational Services team to establish the appropriate analytical framework and user centered design to come up with sustainable and viable solutions.
Team Photos
(Our October 2017 Full STEaM Ahead Program held at Engineers Australia, featuring 3 Makerbot 3D Printers)
Team Photos
Team Photos
FSA 2019 Group Photo
Team Photos
In 2020, Akorn launched a ‘Virtual’ version of this program.Team Photos
On the first day, students participate in learning about and how to use assistive devices (wheelchairs, crutches, white canes, etc.) . They then work in small groups with a custom design laser cut plywood kit to design a toilet facility that can accommodate anyone with special needs.
For the next three days, students continue to work in small groups, brainstorming and researching the types of devices that might be helpful for someone with a special need . They discuss and brainstorm how it may be made. They build a physical prototype of their project. They document the process and put it into a short report .
On the final day, their reports are finalised. Students present their findings & prototypes to a varied audience of parents, teachers, engineers and representatives of the hosting and supporting organisations. Parents and teachers are invited to attend this presentation.
The program was sponsored by MACS, Engineers Australia, Integral Group, ARBS & Alloys (Makerbot 3D Printers)
Akorn’s Full STEaM Ahead programs provide young people with not only the opportunity to experience STEM but also to engage with the community, technology and industry whilst gaining access to Engineers and other professionals. I am pleased and proud to be an ambassador for Akorn’s Full STEaM Ahead programs. Our young people are our future, and having been a mentor for a number of Akorn’s programs to date, I am excited about what the future holds. I’ve been impressed with their ideas and what they bring to life through design and prototyping – it’s wonderful to see how proud they are at the completion of the program
A big thanks to Benita! It’s great to have you visit and inspire us!
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