Posted: May 23, 2016
STEMfest 2016
On Saturday, May 14th, over 150 students, teachers, parents, and presenters gathered at Miramichi Valley High School for the first ever Anglophone North School District STEMfest. The day would prove to be a tremendous success as participants were treated to engaging STEM based sessions, presentations and displays. The STEM momentum in ASD-N has never been stronger and this was clearly evident at STEMfest.
This exciting day kicked off with an impressive keynote by Jacob Lingley from Brilliant Labs, who shared with the audience that there has been no better time in the world to be a “geek” than right now! Discussing everything from 3D printing to LED wearables, Jacob definitely caught the attention of STEMfest participants.
Following the opening keynote, attendees were divided into various groups that were as follows: K-2 students – “Let’s Build Something” with Mike McCallum, Grade 3-5 students- Sphero Orbotix with Adam Hayward, while Grade 6-12 students attended Robot Challenge and 3D printing sessions with Jeff Wilson & Jacob Lingley from Brilliant Labs.
Teachers in attendance participated in a “Hands On in the MakerSpace Session” under the direction of Miramichi Valley High School teacher, Ashley Hallihan and his MVHS Make 120 students. This session showcased the variety of technologies available to be used in classrooms and offered demonstrations of applying these technologies to student generated projects.
Parents were treated to engaging presentations and information sessions hosted by Brian Silverthorne from Front Row Solutions and Dave McIntosh of 3D Datacomm. These two dynamic presenters showcased innovative products and software that contribute to improving student learning in today’s classroom.
During the lunch break, Golden Ticket Winner projects from the ASD-N Grade 6-12 STEM Fairs were on display in the lobby for participant viewing. This was followed by a STEM based presentation in the theatre provided by Kevin Gallant from NBCC-Miramichi, who discussed various local STEM based initiatives taking place such as the Jalloo Festival, the Annual APEGNB Pumpkin Fling, and much more.
The afternoon activities saw students rotate sessions, while teachers took part in a Microsoft in the STEM Classroom workshop. This session helped teachers explore the tools, technologies, and resources available for educators to bring 21st-century teaching and learning to the classrooms. The training focused on transforming the education experience through the intersection of trends, technology, and teaching, and was a great starting point for any teacher considering new ways to optimize technology in the classroom. Meanwhile, parents were treated to an informative and engaging STEM focused session hosted by Science East.
STEMfest concluded with a return to the MVHS theatre by all participants for final remarks and a number of prize draws. Several attendees were awarded with great prizes such as an iPad, robotics kits, gift cards, Bluetooth speakers, pizza certificates, and plenty more.
Organizers of the event would like to thank all of our sponsors for making the first ever STEMfest an incredible success. These sponsors include: Microsoft, Brilliant Labs, 3D Datacomm, NBCC Miramichi, Science East, APEGNB, SMART Technologies, BrunNet, Science Odyssey Week, Pizza Delight, and the Miramichi Kinsmen Club.
Overall it was an amazing day of STEM filled learning and we certainly look forward to seeing everyone back again next year at STEMfest 2017.
For more photos from STEMfest 2016 please visit: http://stemnorth.nbed.nb.ca/gallery/asd-n-stemfest-2016
