An elementary school's after-school program is shaping the minds of its youngest students, offering them a glimpse into the world of STEM. Cedarwood Elementary's TECHie Club is a trailblazer, equipping third through fifth graders with the confidence and foundational skills for science, technology, engineering, and math careers by engaging them with coding, 3D printing, and robotics projects. The principal of Cedarwood, Rodney Johnson, emphasized the shifting role of educators in preparing students for as-yet nonexistent jobs, stating, "We are now charged with the task of preparing our students for jobs that don't currently exist, and TECHie Club is a means to that end," according to the Columbus City Schools' official website.
Matching the rising importance of hands-on, project-based learning and the growth of CTE programs traditionally seen in high schools, this innovative club extends its learning environment through the TECHie Room maker space and lab hands-on experience with robotics, 3D printers, and engineering kits, among others. Up to 25 students each week immerse themselves in collaborative challenges designed to enhance problem-solving and critical thinking, an opportunity that one student, fifth-grader Cooper Cunningham, described as "a mix of my two favorite things, fun and learning," according to the Columbus City School, Insider Cedarwood Elementary informed.
The TECHie Club's curriculum includes interactive lessons that span from computer programming to cybersecurity, nurturing students' adaptability and problem-solving prowess, skills that are just as valuable in other industries as they are in STEM fields. According to a Cedarwood fourth-grade teacher named Alan Browning, the club also ignites enthusiasm for science and provides a pathway to overcoming the challenges of more advanced school grades. "It’s getting them thinking that whether I'm male, female, or whatever my age level is, I’m thinking and exploring scientific phenomena and able to rise to those challenges in middle school and high school," he told Cedarwood Elementary School's news outlet via CCS.
Moreover, the TECHie Club doesn't only focus on technical skills. It also hones in on soft skills like collaboration and teamwork, laying down a foundation for these essential career skills from an early age. For instance, student Heaven Butler recognized the value of seizing educational opportunities "that could help you in the long run," according to a statement the youngster shared with Cedarwood Elementary. In addition, Cedarwood student Naomi Turner expressed her enjoyment of the club, noting, "My favorite thing about TECHie Club is being with my friends, playing with technology, and getting to ask questions," according to the Columbus City Schools, an enthusiasm shared by her peers at the elementary school, based on their comments.
