Frequently Asked Questions

What is The STEAM Generation?     

The STEAM Generation offers project-based engineering programs for children ages 4 to 14, introducing them to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art Integration, and Math) through a variety of programs, all aimed at developing problem-solving skills. Programs include after-school programs, evening classes, in-school field trips, workshops, birthday parties, home-school programs, scouts workshops, and preschool programs.

 

How does it differ from other children's after-school camps and activities?

Our programs provide an in-depth exploration into each field of engineering and increases kids' interest in making things work in a fun environment.

 

What is the difference between STEM and STEAM? 

Training in the Arts improves interpretive skills. These are essential skills that help students to gather information, understand it, and draw conclusions from it. A combination of STEM and Arts in teaching has the potential to deliver a deeper learning experience for students.

 

Students who are exposed to the Arts develop improved problem solving and critical thinking skills, more innovation and creativity, better social skills, and improved flexibility as well as adaptability. Read our blog Moving from STEM to STEAM for more information.

Can children as young as four really learn engineering principles? How will these activities help children in their academics or future?

Never underestimate children’s ability to learn and absorb information. At this age, they learn quickly. It opens their imagination and expands their creativity by teaching them project-based engineering through fun games and simple programming.

 

Describe a typical activity. How do children participate? What do they learn? What does the role of 'hands-on' learning play in your activities?

For example, one of our programs is robotics for ages 4-14 years old. LEGO Robotics Wedo (kids up to age 7) and LEGO EV3 (kids 8 and above) are fantastic, simple-to-use cross-curricular tools that enable students to learn, construct and bring their models to life using intuitive programming easy drag-and-drop software. An ideal product for teaching in different subjects at primary levels, it can be applied to language and literacy, math, and various engineering, design, and technology-based subjects. At the same time, students will develop and improve different communication, collaboration, and team-building skills.

 

What is meant by 'project-based learning? How does it promote critical thinking, hands-on learning, and self-directed inquiry?

Engineering literacy is the understanding of how technologies are developed via the engineering process which is illustrated through a hands-on project-based learning(PBL)model. PBL is used instead of teaching kids theories and principles through books; we teach them the same concepts through activities. Our program promotes critical thinking by teaching children to explore and use their motor skills and scaffold their experience to discover what they have to do independently. Also, our program can promote hands-on learning and self-directed inquiry. 

At The STEAM Generation, our programs:

•      Help children build problem-solving skills

•      Encourage kids to discover how things work

•      Increase kids' desire to explore engineering as a career option

•      Motivate kids to learn math and science concepts by engaging them in real-world engineering problems

 

How are children encouraged to explore, experiment, and question? Do they do more than just follow sets of directions? What about creativity? How is it encouraged and developed?

They are guided through the engineering design process and are encouraged to explore their creativity.

 

What are the academic benefits of The STEAM Generation programs? What are the qualifications of the instructors?

To use their own creativity and advance their critical thinking skills. Our instructors come from a variety of different backgrounds. They are formal educators, professional technologists, and university STEAM students.

 

What should parents consider before enrolling their children in the The STEAM Generation program? What if your child has difficulty with focus or a short attention span?

Our programs help kids to focus and improve their memory skills too.

 

What non-academic soft skills will my child develop in your program? We have a strong focus on building critical thinking, peer collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Following our social-emotional learning (SEL) methods, kids will: