Posted on August 22, 2023August 22, 2023 by Allie

STEAMwhiz Fall 2023 News & Events

Classes Begin Week of 9/11/2023

Harmony Hackers 2023-2024

Unleashing Music with Science, Coding, & A.I

Math • Coding • CAD • Physical Computing

Fall Registration OPEN Now | Classes Are Filling Up

Get ready to embark on an exciting STEAM musical journey like no other with our “Harmony Hackers: Unleashing Music with Science, Coding, and AI” course. Designed specifically for Beginner students 6-8 yrs old and Intermediate/Advance students 9-13 yrs old, this interactive and dynamic program offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines science, coding, and the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to “turn-up the volume” and become a creative problem-solver! Create, Solve, and Innovate @ STEAMwhiz Innovation Labs!

Limited Space • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio • Intense Learning • Expert Instructors

Ages: 6-8 yrs -or- 9-13 yrs

thank you for an epic summer

Sci-Tech Summer Fun & Learning @ STEAMwhiz Camp

Wow, what a blast we had this summer at our Sci-Tech Minecraft Summer Camp!

We want to start by giving a huge shout-out to the parents and families of our amazing campers! You are the real MVPs for supporting your kids’ dreams and goals. We know it’s not easy to juggle everything and make sure your kids have the best summer ‘thinking & doing’, but you did it!

And of course, we can’t forget our campers, who rocked the lab with their hard work, creativity, and G.R.I.T (Guts, Resiliency, Innovation, Tenacity). You guys impressed us daily with your problem-solving skills and passion for learning. You showed us that nothing is impossible when you have a good attitude and a willingness to try new things. You are the future of STEAM!

In the community

Ask for STEAMwhiz in your School

We have engineered one-of-a-kind STEAMwhiz Mobile PC workstations! This allows us to bring the same advanced STEAM lab programs we run in our HQ to locations that are more accessible to many of our families & students.

PTAs & Schools

Join the growing list of Capital District Schools, Libraries, and Town Organizations that are partnering with STEAMwhiz Innovation Labs to bring high-tech, advanced STEAM labs to their students.

IS YOUR SCHOOL/LIBRARY MISSING OUT?

Contact your local Parent Teacher Association + School Administrators. Let them know that you want STEAMwhiz at your school! Or reach out to your local library and let them know that you want STEAMwhiz to enrich your children’s education by exposing them to 21st-Century Tools, Skills, and Learning Objectives such as; Coding Fundamentals • Robotics • 3D Printing • The Engineering Design Process • Analytical & Critical Thinking • Creative Problem Solving and more…

Thank you to parents, staff, administrators, and students for making it an amazingly positive success. A special thank you to the parents and staff who put in the extra energy and overcome barriers to make it happen. You are the difference makers😍 Your efforts will ripple through for current students and those behind them. Together we are #BeingTheChangeWeWantTooSee in the🌎

Why Music finds its rightful place in s.t.e.a.m education

The Harmonious Integration

Integrating diverse disciplines is a pillar in becoming a creative problem-solver. One intriguing partnership that the STEAM-Team is excited to explore is the marriage of music and STEAM (Sci, Tech, Eng, Art, Math) education. This fusion might seem unlikely at first glance, but when explored, it reveals a symphony of benefits that resonate through both realms.

This article explores the top 3 engaging and vibrant harmonies between music and STEAM education.

>>> Cognitive Orchestration

>>> Sonic Science and Technological Innovation

>>> STEAM Jam Sessions: Collaboration and Communication

REGISTER TODAY

Stay in Sync with STEAMwhiz

Follow all STEAMwhiz’s latest news, educational articles, and more here.

Check out our monthly MakerLab and Events here.

Create An Account And Never Miss A Beat With Our In-Person STEM Programs Covering Coding, 3d Printing, Laser Cutting, Robotics, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) And So Much More.

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Posted on August 21, 2023August 21, 2023 by Allie

The Harmonious Integration: Why Music Finds Its Rightful Place in S.T.E.A.M Education

Why Music Finds Its Rightful Place in S.T.E.A.M Education

Let’s check out the top (3) engaging and vibrant harmonies between music and STEAM education —

1. Cognitive Orchestration

If you think music and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) are worlds apart, think again. Music is not only a form of art and expression, but also a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive skills that are essential for STEM learning. In this section, we will explore how music can help students master STEM subjects by:

– Improving pattern recognition

– Boosting creative problem-solving

– Strengthening memory skills

Let’s Dive In!

a. Pattern Recognition: The Key to Data and Equations

One of the core skills in STEM is the ability to recognize and analyze patterns in data, equations, graphs, and other forms of information. Music is full of patterns, from the notes and chords to the rhythm and harmony. Musicians learn to read, play, and compose music by identifying and manipulating these patterns. Research shows that musical training enhances pattern recognition skills in both auditory and visual domains, which can transfer to mathematical and scientific reasoning. For example, a study conducted by Dr. Gordon Shaw, Neurological Research, found that children who received piano lessons performed better than their peers in tasks involving fractions, ratios, and proportions.

b. Creative Problem-Solving: The Spark of Innovation

Another skill that STEM learners need is the ability to solve complex problems with creativity and innovation.

Music is a rich source of inspiration and imagination, as it allows students to express themselves in unique ways. Music also fosters divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem. Divergent thinking is crucial for STEM fields, where novel and unconventional approaches often lead to breakthroughs. For instance, a study found that engineering students who participated in musical activities scored higher on tests of divergent thinking than those who did not.

c. Memory Skills: The Foundation of Learning

A third skill that STEM learners benefit from is the ability to memorize and recall information effectively.

Music is a powerful memory enhancer, as it uses rhythm, melody, emotion, and repetition to encode information in the brain. Music can also help students remember complex formulas, equations, and concepts by associating them with musical cues. For example, a study found that students who learned physics concepts through songs performed better on tests than those who learned through traditional methods.

2. Sonic Science and Technological Innovation

Beneath the surface of every melody lies a world of acoustics, physics, and technology. Integrating music with STEM subjects offers students an immersive experience into the science of sound, sparking curiosity and innovation:

a. Exploring Sound Waves

Music is made of sound waves, which are vibrations that travel through the air or other mediums. By investigating the physics of sound waves and resonance, students gain an understanding of fundamental concepts such as frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and resonance, while creating musical instruments or analyzing acoustic phenomena.

b. Digital Harmonies

Music production and composition embrace cutting-edge technology.

Integrating digital tools introduces students to coding and software and empowers them to craft their sonic landscapes. You can also learn about digital audio formats, signal processing, synthesis, and sampling. Technology gives you the freedom and flexibility to express yourself musically in new ways.

c. Innovative Intersections

The marriage of music and technology has given rise to groundbreaking inventions, from electronic instruments to sophisticated audio algorithms. By exploring these innovations, you can discover how music and technology solve problems, meet needs, and create opportunities. Students engaging with music in STEM contexts are primed to become the next generation of innovators.

3. STEM Jam Sessions: Collaboration and Communication

STEM industries thrive on collaboration and effective communication. Music, with its ensemble performances and harmonious dialogues, provides an excellent model for fostering these essential skills:

a. Team Dynamics

Playing in a musical ensemble, whether you join a band or an orchestra, mirrors the collaborative environment of STEM workplaces. Students learn to synchronize efforts, adapt to diverse perspectives, and collectively strive for excellence.

b. Communicative Precision

Music is a form of communication that can convey complex emotions and messages. When you play or write music, you practice being precise, clear, and concise with your words and sounds. These are the same skills you need to communicate your STEM findings and ideas to others. And just as musicians respond to subtle cues during performances, STEM learners refine their ability to convey complex ideas with precision, clarity, and conciseness.

c. Creative Synergy

Music is also a creative outlet that allows you to experiment with different styles, genres, and techniques. When you improvise or compose music, you learn how to think on your feet, adapt to changing situations, and solve problems creatively. These are the same skills that you need to innovate and discover new things in STEM fields.

TLDR

The integration of music into STEM education is not merely a harmonious indulgence; it is a strategic investment in fostering well-rounded, adaptable, and innovative learners. By harnessing the cognitive, scientific, and collaborative potential of music, educators unlock doors to engagement and excitement in the STEM journey. The combination of melody and mathematics, rhythm and research, creates a symphony of holistic learning that resonates deeply with students, ensuring they step onto a path paved with endless possibilities.

So as you can see, music is more than just a hobby or a passion. It is also a cognitive orchestrator that can help students excel in STEM subjects. By integrating music into STEM education, we can enrich the cognitive capacities of our students and prepare them for the challenges of the 21st century. Music and STEM are not opposites; they are complementary parts of a harmonious whole.

Get Started

Need more music in your life and your children’s? A great place to start is online with Hoffman Academy. No, this is not a sponsored post. Just a great resource that our family has used to begin our children’s musical education.

We love that there are 300+ comprehensive piano video lessons, totally free! Joseph Hoffman and his academy are on a mission to bring music into more homes and communities worldwide. They believe everyone should have access to music education.

Our son, X, used the 100% free lessons for a year. Then once we saw the benefit and success of using Hoffman Academy, we upgraded him to the Premium account to have even more resources at his fingertips!

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We are here to support, mentor, and inspire!

– Allie out!

Posted on June 1, 2023June 1, 2023 by Allie

STEAMwhiz EOY 2023 News & Events

Well Done STEAMWHIZ STUDENTS

May 30 - June 2
Final Week of Spring Labs

Dear STEAMwhiz Families:

We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Their commitment to learning and their remarkable growth as creative problem solvers have truly WOWed us. Through STEAMwhiz, they have honed their critical thinking skills, embraced challenges, and created innovative solutions using modern technology. It is inspiring to witness their enthusiasm and determination as they tackle complex problems and find unique ways to overcome obstacles. But of course they couldn’t have done it alone…

Thank you to the awesome parents for providing the critical consistency to the students in lab each week. Your unwavering support is truly appreciated. Your support fuels their curiosity and passion for learning and provides them the amazing opportunity to prepare for their future! We are grateful for your trust and remain dedicated to creating cutting-edge, hands-on, high-tech, and advanced learning experiences. Together, we can nurture their love for learning and equip them with essential skills for the 21st century. Thank you for being amazing partners in this journey!

Sincerely,

The STEAM-Team – Program Director Allie & Lead Scientist Dr J

SAVE YOUR SPOT

Early Fall Registration

Fall 2023-2024 Semester

Get ready to embark on an exciting STEAM musical journey like no other with our “Harmony Hackers: Unleashing Music with Science, Coding, and AI” course. Designed specifically for Beginner students 6-8 yrs old and Intermediate/Advance students 9-13 yrs old, this interactive and dynamic program offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines science, coding, and the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to “turn-up the volume” and become a creative problem-solver!

It’s never too EARLY to prepare your student for THEIR future!

Note – We have reserved 2 weeks for existing students to have early registration priority. Afterwards it will be first come, first serve. We anticipate a waiting list, so register early to ensure you have a seat in class 🙂

In the community

Ask for STEAMwhiz in your School

PTAs & Schools

Join the growing list of Capital District Schools, Libraries, and Town Organizations that are partnering with STEAMwhiz Innovation Labs to bring high-tech, advanced STEAM labs to their students.

IS YOUR SCHOOL/LIBRARY MISSING OUT?

The Countdown to STEAMwhiz's Summer Camp is On...

Opening Day is June 26th !!

What will your kids be doing this summer? Create, Solve, and Innovate with Science, Design, Coding, & Robotics @ STEAMwhiz’s Minecraft Sci-Tech Summer Camp – Physical to Virtual

> Limited Space Available

> AM & PM Sessions Available

Why Minecraft in the lab? Dive into the Top 3 Reasons STEAMwhiz is using MINECRAFT to empower the next generation of thinkers & doers.

REGISTER TODAY

Stay in Sync with STEAMwhiz

Follow all STEAMwhiz’s latest news, educational articles, and more here.

Check out our MakerLabs and Events here.

Create An Account And Never Miss A Beat With Our In-Person STEM Programs Covering Coding, 3d Printing, Laser Cutting, Robotics, Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) And So Much More.

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There are no upcoming events.

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Int/Adv Fall Semester 2023 – Harmony Hackers: Unleashing Music with Science, Coding, & A.I

Level Up your students thinking & doing with this interactive and dynamic program, offering a unique experience that combines science, coding, and the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to “turn up the volume” and become a creative problem-solver!

Registration Open

Beginners After School Labs – Harmony Hackers: Hack the Real World with Code and Electronics

Reserved for our beginner STEAMwhiz Kids | Ages 6 – 8 yrs old | We focus on building logic skills, getting hands-on w/fun tech, VISUALLY based early exposure to ○ science ○ math ○ circuits ○ engineering ○ coding ○ robotics ○ automation ○ that doesn’t depend on READING!

Registration Open

Beginner Sci-Tech Summer Camp 2023 – Minecraft: Physical to Virtual (age 6-8)

Wk. 1: Aug. 7th – 11th | Wk 2: Aug. 14th – 18th | 9 AM – 12 PM

**Save $20 when you enroll in both weeks**

Click HERE to Enroll Today!

STEAMwhiz Minecraft Sci-Tech Summer Camp for Beginner Thinkers & Doers is different! Reserved for our beginner STEAMwhiz Kids | Ages 6 – 8 yrs old | We focus on building logic skills, getting hands-on w/fun tech, VISUALLY based early exposure to ○ science ○ math ○ circuits ○ engineering ○ automation ○ that doesn’t depend on READING. 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio for Personalized Instruction w/Master Educators, Critical Fundamentals & Skills for the Future, Project-Based Science ◦ Math ◦ Engineering Labs, Hands-on & State-of-the-Art High Tech Tools.

More than a STEM summer camp. Founded in the Capital District NY #BeingTheChange, In-person & Year-Round. Empowering NextGen ‘Thinkers & Doers’ with the critical skills of creative problem-solving & analytical thinking to be successful in an AI world. Learn More!

What Future are Your Kids Preparing For?

Littles Spring Semester 2023 – STEAM Fractals

Registration Open

Summer Camp 2023 – Minecraft: Physical to Virtual (age 8-13)

Get ready to bridge the physical world with Minecraft’s virtual world in STEAMwhiz Summer Boot Camp. Physics, Engineering, Designing, Coding, and Robotics will never be the same! All new projects and activities!!

Morning -OR- Afternoon Half-day camps.

Enroll Today at steamwhiz.com/summer2023

Spring Break Sci-Tech Camp 2023: Robo Tech 2

Coding + Robotics + Legos

April 10th – 14th | Mon. – Fri. | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

**Ages* 7-13 yrs old • Limited Space • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio • Intense Learning • Expert Instructors**

Code, Invent, and Create!

Join the STEAM-Team in this week-long (Mon-Fri) Sci-Tech Spring Break Boot Camp, as we build solid foundations in programming and robotics. Program your invention to perform specific tasks, avoid obstacles, follow lines, respond to sounds, make sounds, and more! Unlock the robotic capabilities of this Lego-compatible robot as you explore programming, STEM, and critical thinking.

*Basic reading and keyboard/mouse skills needed. Contact us for individual recommendations.

Registration Open

Spring Semester 2023 – STEAM Fractals

Is your student ready to Level-Up their coding skills? Explore, Test, and Apply CODING fundamentals in Minecraft gameplay using Scratch, Logo, PiBlock, and Python languages to create a robot ‘smart’ enough to execute your commands and designs! Minecraft Tree Fractals here we come =D

Registration Open