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Maui Economic Development Board's Women in Technology, the statewide initiative that created STEM labs in 27 Hawaii public schools through its STEMworks program, has launched THINKit as the next phase in its continuing mission to equip Hawaii teachers with the most current technology tools to bring STEM lessons to life.
THINKit toolkits are designed to include hands-on technology and materials in one box in six STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) themes: 3D prototyping, coding, virtual reality, digital media, circuits and hardware, and GIS and drones. THINKits are available in three versions, targeting students at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
"Imagine the impact programming a robot or creating an animated story can have on students -- building something with their hands and minds is a powerful lesson in confidence and critical thinking," said Leslie Wilkins, vice president of the Maui Economic Development Board and director of Women in Technology. "THINKit is like a technology playground where children can explore, ask questions and test theories without fear of failure. It's play with a purpose, because it plants seeds of innovation at the same time."
THINKits will initially be offered at no cost to 27 STEMworks schools across the state, and made available for purchase by interested public or private schools looking to supplement their STEM curricula. Designed with Hawaii curriculum requirements in mind, THINKit gives Department of Education teachers tools that augment their current coursework while creating a more engaging, hands-on learning experience for students.
"THINKit has the potential to spark passion and nurture creativity in young students who learn through a process of discovery and trial and error. It puts state-of-the-art tools and technologies in their hands, and invites them to explore," said Isla Young, director of K-12 STEM education for Women in Technology. "With THINKit and other STEM initiatives, we're supporting the next generation of scientists, programmers, engineers and inventors in Hawaii."
For more information on THINKit, visit www.stemworkshawaii.org.