STEAM Materials Grant
This spring, students at Detroit’s Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) dove head-first into Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). Thanks to United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s STEAM Classroom Materials Grants, they tried everything from raising butterflies to building robots.
“Our middle school teachers looked at their curriculum for opportunities to bring meaningful and engaging experiences to their scholars,” said Kiran Rai, who supports grants at DAAS. “Whether it was building robots or programming code, the teachers took the lead in deciding what they wanted and how it would best fit into their classrooms.”
Three teachers at DAAS received STEAM Classroom Materials Grants. In total, the teachers will serve 300 students as they rotate through their classrooms.
“United Way for Southeastern Michigan recognizes that no one understands classroom supply needs better than teachers themselves,” said Adam Kind, Senior Director of Youth Opportunity at United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Our STEAM Classroom Materials Grants let teachers order exactly what they need to deliver more impactful, hands-on experiences in their classrooms.”
The materials have transformed the science curriculum, allowing new group collaborations on real-world applications of STEAM. Students experienced 3D printing, butterfly farms, robotics with Lego and renewable energy exploration.
“While the traditional science curriculum is strong, it didn’t consistently provide opportunities for scholars to think critically and work together in groups,” said Kiran. “The teachers were incredibly excited and thankful. The new materials gave them the flexibility to be creative and innovative in planning dynamic, student-centered learning experiences.”
When Learning is Expensive
In Detroit, 67% of households are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), meaning they struggle to make ends meet. As a Title I school, DAAS has many students from ALICE families.
“Our biggest challenge is access to up-to-date materials, hands-on experiences, and technology that will prepare our kids for the future,” said Kiran. “When it comes to robotics, technology and engineering, things are very expensive to bring into the classroom.”
Families earning less than $35,000 annually are less likely to report that their children participate in STEAM learning.
“United Way’s grant changed that, helping us get tools to make learning more exciting and relevant for our scholars,” said Kiran. “It’s definitely made an impact on our middle school science community.”
Expanding Student Interests
This year, DAAS started a robotics club, and the team advanced to the state championships, while earning the Rookie of the Year Award and the Rising Star Award.
“The 8th grade science teacher and robotics coach observed that it was fostering deeper critical thinking among scholars,” said Kiran. “Our scholars became better at troubleshooting through trial and error, and more confident exploring solutions on their own.”
Classroom robotics activities also piqued student interest in the new robotics club.
“With all the hands-on experience in the classroom, scholars are without a doubt more interested in joining the robotics team,” said Kiran. “The grant is changing our scholars’ attitudes and beliefs about science, engineering and technology.”
Inspired to get involved? Join the Run United Virtual Marathon, a month-long challenge to get moving and raise funds for the STEAM Classroom Materials Grants.