LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Wednesday morning Zachary Taylor Elementary showcased its new MakerPlace STEAM Cart, which is filled with 15 hands-on activities aimed at teaching kids about science, technology, engineering, art and math.
The JCPS school is one of two campuses in the state to receive one of these carts. The other is at Southern Elementary in Scott County.
Activities are geared for students in fifth grade and under, and each cart is designed for up to 25 students to participate in each activity.
Staff at the school couldn’t be more excited to have this program. “Their faces lit up, they were asking questions, they wanted to try it on their own, they wanted to get so creative and they have been collaborating even before this event started today,” Helen Stringer, library media specialist for Zachary Taylor Elementary, said.
Stringer will oversee classes as they use the new technology. She says having something like this is a great way for kids to explore careers in STEAM while promoting classroom engagement through a fun way of learning.
“There is always one or a couple that just aren’t engaged in school in the normal sense, so being able to offer these other types of activities will hopefully spark engagement and creativity,” Helen said.
The STEAM Cart program comes thanks to a partnership between Kentucky Science Center and Toyota Kentucky. While the cart is at the school, staff from the Kentucky Science Center are available to train staff on the activities and how to use the included technology.
At the beginning of the spring semester, the STEAM Carts will be moved to a new pair of schools.