Everything S.T.E.A.M.

On November 3rd, the Sarah Wise Wooten Young Ladies Academy (SWWYLA) and Growth and Development of All America's Youth (GADAAY) engaged in an interactive and timely workshop highlighting S.T.E.A.M. activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics). SWWYLA and GADAAY participants started the workshop with an insightful dialogue about careers within S.T.E.A.M. The workshop was led by our very own SWWYLA committee members LaTisha Durham and Shané Hargraves as they expressed their expertise in the field by teaching the participants intriguing information about S.T.E.A.M. and how they can build their future careers in the field.

With the help of SWWYLA and GADAAY volunteers, LaTisha and Shané kicked off the workshop by having the participants create their own scented perfume. The participants were challenged with following the instructions carefully and working as a team. After the activity, SWWYLA and GADAAY participants were involved in an interactive game of Jeopardy, which focused on Mathematics, as they were challenged to work in teams to figure out the answers in areas of algebra, measurements, vocabulary, fractions, percentages and geometry.

After the game, SWWYLA participants were divided into two groups where one focused on technology and the other focused on art. Our technology group focused on creating motion sensors which challenged the participants to follow instructions from a program on the laptop. If instructions were followed correctly, participants created images, engage in interactive motion activities including, but not limited to, being a DJ on turntables, playing with a yo-yo and making musicals beats. Our art group was introduced to creating art with the assistance of robotics! The participants created artwork in different colors, shapes and sizes. Each group showed excitement as they participated in both activities.

GADAAY participants were divided into two groups where they focused on coding, electrical engineering and art. Our coders learned about Computer Science and Electrical engineering while they build a Unicorn robot. Each group was equipped with tablets where they learned how to build a lego robot and how to code it to make it work. Our Art group focused on Electrical Engineering and Music while they built their very own DJ booth. Each group was equipped with computers, wires, capacitors as they learned how to build a synth kit and experiment with pitch, frequency and volume to make music.

At the end of activities, each group engaged in insightful dialogue on how S.T.E.A.M initiatives is used daily as a way of life. Each participant left the workshop with more knowledge on S.T.E.A.M. and a takeaway item for them to enjoy at home.