STEAM Forward

This Winterim invites students to dive into a dynamic STEAM experience designed to spark curiosity and build connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and math—and the real-world challenges we face today.

Inspired by CU Boulder’s innovative Creative Technology and Design program, students will participate in hands-on workshops led by CU Science Discovery educators. Using the versatile micro:bit—a pocket-sized computer with endless possibilities—students will practice block-based coding and apply the engineering design process to create their own prototype inventions. From beginner coders to seasoned makers, every student will find opportunities to strengthen their skills in coding, electronics, and design thinking while bringing their imagination to life.

Day 1

Students kicked off the week with icebreakers and team-building activities that helped build community and set a positive tone. A highlight of the day was the Micro: bit Skills – Block-Based Coding session, a hands-on, guided workshop with coding challenges that introduced students to the MakeCode coding platform and Micro:bit. Students learned key concepts such as inputs and outputs, loops, and conditionals while beginning to see how coding can be used to create interactive technology. They also created 3D name tags and had an introduction to TinkerCAD, giving them a first look at 3D design and digital making. Students formed project teams and brainstormed possible technology-based solutions to real-world issues they will continue exploring throughout the week!

Day 2 and 3

On Tuesday and Wednesday, students dove into hands-on tech and engineering adventures that got their brains—and their creativity—working full tilt! They explored Micro:bit possibilities, experimenting with moisture sensors, circuits, LED lights, and motors in a mini servo workshop. Students practiced coding, tested radio communication between devices, and even added AI models to see how technology can solve real-world problems. By midweek, their “toolbox” included 3D design and printing, AI creation, servos, and sensors for light, temperature, sound, direction, and motion.

Two University of Colorado Boulder engineering students interacted with our students in unique ways: one led a mini lesson on Tuesday, while the other shared current and past projects and offered tips for innovative design as teams worked on their projects. Throughout both days, students participated in icebreakers, formed teams for various projects, researched ideas, practiced tool safety with the traveling makerspace hand tools, and began building their first collaborative creations. The experience was full of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on discovery!

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Mobile Makerspace

Day 4

Students began the day with a team-building game called Hot Chocolate River, which encouraged collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. After that, they spent most of the day in team project work time, continuing to develop and refine their technology-based solutions.

Project highlights included creative ideas such as a Weatherometer, a sunrise/sunset Micro:bit alarm clock, a door alarm, and a seed planner with a car component. Throughout the work session, students applied coding, engineering, and design skills as they tested ideas, solved problems, and made progress on their group projects!

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Day 5

Students spent Friday on a CU Boulder field trip, where they explored campus spaces connected to engineering, design, and innovation. The day included an ITLL and Engineering Center tour, giving students a firsthand look at how university students learn, collaborate, and build projects in advanced engineering environments.

A highlight of the trip was the Craft Tech Lab workshop, where students explored the intersection of computation and real-world crafts, seeing how technology can be combined with creativity, design, and hands-on making. They also visited the BTU Lab makerspace in ATLAS, where students saw a collaborative innovation space focused on prototyping, fabrication, and interdisciplinary project work. This visit helped students better understand how tools, technology, and creative thinking come together to turn ideas into real designs and working projects.

Students also enjoyed lunch at the C4C, which offered a lively community and cultural dining experience, followed by a campus tour and a stop at the bookstore before heading back!

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