STEAM for Valentine’s Day

Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Make STEAM Work For You

An Over Coffee® Valentine special Flowers and candy are great, for Valentine's Day. But how about something more creative--and more long-lasting? Here is a rebroadcast of our 2018 special panel, recorded with three maker/educators. We went live onsite from Pipe & Thimble Bookstore, in Lomita, and talked about STEAM and creating Valentine gifts and projects for the kids (and big kids) in our lives. Panelists were Masterful Creations STEAM Academy founder Mitchell Malpartida (far right), Play-Well TEKnologies Los Angeles Manager Michael Luong (left) and top Play-Well TEKnologies instructorJames Castellanos (center). In the course of the discussion, robots came up--as did light-up flowers, Valentine candy sorters, "love conveyor belts"... In other words, the panel was a lot of fun. And the three panelists came up with amazing ideas. While we focused on Valentine's Day, many of the ideas they offered would work well anytime. That's especially true as we stay social-distanced and come up with projects and creative ideas for at-home students. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours! Please check out these links for Masterful Creations STEAM Academy and Play-Well TEKnologies. Masterful Creations STEAM Academy has online classes forthcoming, according to their website. They're also involved in putting their maker skills to use, and would like your help if you can sew or have a 3D printer at home. They're crafting PPE against the pandemic. Meanwhile, Play-Well TEKnologies teaches LEGO®-inspired engineering classes to students, from kindergarten through eighth grade. They have virtual courses listed among their offerings.. They also offer an online birthday party experience, AND have "Play-Well at Home" free activity videos available! On this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear: A definition of STEAM, as it relates to creativity, education and maker projects; How each of our guests first became involved with STEAM; Ideas for STEAM-oriented Valentine's Day creative-project ideas which Mitch, James and Michael use, in their classes; Some great STEAM projects to create Valentine gifts for "big kids"; Some favorite maker resources which Mitchell, Michael and James recommend; Ways to remove the "intimidation factor" when getting girls involved in STEAM classes; A technique to interest kids in learning STEAM-related skills--and other basic skills, as well; Some last-minute STEAM-oriented Valentine project ideas. (Note: LEGO®, Duplo®, Mindstorms®, the LEGO logo, and the brick and knob configuration are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2021 The LEGO Group. These programs, our podcast and our related discussion panel are not authorized, sponsored or endorsed by the LEGO Group.)