Published On: July 26th, 2018By Leticia Fehling

Aldine ISD Kids Wrapped Up Summer 2018 STEAM Camp

Nearly 150 Aldine boys and girls spent this week learning about science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM). They also experienced the ‘Shark Tank.’

Students build their own robot.

Aldine ISD held its Summer 2018 STEAM Camp (click here to learn more) from Monday, July 23 to Thursday, July 26.

“The kids have been really engaged,” said Olivia Boatner, director of magnet schools. “They take it seriously and are thinking about the activities.”

Students learn binary code through and art activity.

The fourth through sixth graders attend the camp from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day of the camp held at Houston Academy. They worked with AISD educators as well as Carver HS students and took part in interactive and hands-on activities.

Topics ranged from robotics and coding to visual and performing arts. This year, students also experienced the “Shark Tank.” The budding entrepreneurs got to apply their skills through building on a business idea, making it concrete, with the final step to pitch their idea.

“We want the kids to start thinking about an interest that could lead to a career,” Boatner said. “These are the formative years when they are deciding what they want to do.”

The young entrepreneurs learned about developing a product and how to pitch it.

Students that take part in the annual camp experience a dozen different sessions. Topics range from robotics and coding to visual and performing arts.

“This is a great opportunity for kids to experience,” said Dr. Michaelann Kelley, director of visual arts.

Boatner, supervisor for the camp, developed its curriculum alongside Kelley, Amy Smith, program director of speech and debate; and Refugio Rodríguez, director of music education. They focused on choosing projects related to the STEAM subjects. Boatner added they are already working on ideas for next year’s camp.