In Kirkland’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) program, led by Education Director Casey Hewes, Club members experience the connection between academic lessons and real world applications. They get to unravel mysteries like how cell phones work, how computer screens work, how bridges operate, and so much more.

STEAM programming offers hands-on learning, developing kids’ soft and technical skills. Learn more about STEAM programming here.

When looking for inspiration for new activities, Casey builds on what the kids are already interested in: “I look for ways to be creative with the kids’ passions and mold the program to that.”

For example, Casey noticed that kids frequently brought in Pokemon cards to trade with their friends. With that idea, Casey started a Pokemon Club, where kids would learn the rules of the card game, which teaches strategy and math, with Pokemon cards donated to the Club.

Other STEAM activities include chess, coding, perler beads, Math Hoops, Ecology Adventures and various science experiments. One of the most popular activities at the Club is Makey Makey Kits, which teach kids how to use an electrical circuit board to program inanimate objects. Club kids can attach a wire to play-do or a banana and make things happen on a screen.

As Casey observes, “STEAM skills will become more and more important to find a job. The world is becoming more technological, and these are the future skills that kids will need for employment.”

Not only are Club kids igniting a curiosity for various academic and potential career interests, they’re having fun doing it through personalized programming developed by an attentive mentor, engaged in their development.