Today I want to highlight a unique STEAM after school enrichment program for elementary and middle school students. The STEAM Learning Lab is run by Acera, a private K-8 school located north of Boston, in Winchester, MA.
This program caught my attention for a few reasons. First, the STEAM-focused curriculum is built upon science, creativity and leadership, and in my opinion, this is what sets the program apart from other tech programs. By incorporating art and leadership into courses and emphasizing creativity, I think these programs may appeal to students who don’t think they are good at math and science or just haven’t been exposed to tech-related programs like coding, engineering and robotics.
Here’s a snapshot of the weekly schedule which includes hands-on workshops in engineering, biotechnology, woodworking, math, arts, design, electronics, music, chemistry, physics, debate, metal casting, and more.
Second, I was impressed when I heard the educators have advanced degrees in academia, biotech, engineering, arts, design and music industries and I recognized the names of some of their teachers who are renowned in their fields. For example, here are some of the teachers:
- John Maloney (Lead Developer of Scratch, MIT Media Lab)
- Alisha Panjwani (Designer, Computer Scientist, MIT Media Lab, Author of Start Making!)
- Josh Briggs (Civil Engineer and Woodshop Manager)
- Danny Fain (Software Developer, STEM Educator, MIT Alum)
- Michael Hirsch, (M.A.T, Biotech Scientist, Acera Lab Manager)
- Michelle Finston (School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston)
- Debbie Sidell (15+ years of teaching experiences)
In Molecular Biology, students grow their own bacteria and make them glow via a DNA change or make then resistant to specific antibiotic.
Third, it’s an after school program that runs during the school year, Monday-Friday from 3:30pm-5:30pm, and it is open to the community--you do NOT need to be a student at the school. The program also offers bus service (for an additional fee) to Belmont, Winchester, Arlington, West Medford and Waltham—which means more kids can be served by the program and families can benefit from this convenient service. Students in Winchester Public Schools (McCall Middle School, Muraco, Lincoln and Lynch Elementary Schools) can also take advantage of free bus service to Acera.
What do parents say about Acera’s program?
The interest for Acera’s out-of-school programs is growing. The school mentioned they have many repeat students, who attend both the after school and summer programs. In fact, Acera offered twice as many summer sessions this year compared to last year, which was their first year offering a summer program.
“Acera is a truly spectacular facility. They provide a hands-on experience that has been largely lost in modern day educational systems. For example, the children do not just learn the advanced science and math behind engineering, they apply this knowledge in a fully equipped workshop with the gamut of materials, including wood and metal and professional grade tools. They learn to create safely and they truly understand the often-missed connection between what works on paper and what works in real life. These skills empower and thrill them as children and will allow them to thrive in adulthood. There is a strong emphasis on celebrating the independence and diversity of each child, which allows their confidence and creativity to flourish. The environment is nurturing, fun, productive, and community oriented. My son said the summer camp was “perfect for (him)” and he always wanted to get in early to help the teachers set up and to get a jump start on his projects. This initiative and leadership was fostered by the Acera teachers and has been pivotal in my son’s growth. My daughter asked to go to extra after-school enrichment classes because she loves the subjects and the teachers, and she feels comfortable expressing herself with the students. She is particularly proud and excited about a mural she and her classmates painted on the outside of the school building. There are programs here that would be very hard to find anywhere else and the caliber of the teachers is phenomenal. I can not say enough positive things about Acera.” – Rachel Klopfer, Winchester
Registration details
If you’re intrigued and want to learn more, go to acerasteamlab.org, which includes a weekly schedule and details about the trimester programs and costs.
To enroll in one or more STEAM programs, fill out the form on the registration page and email or mail it to Acera. This year’s programs will run:
- Fall: Sep 6- Nov 22, 2016
- Winter: Nov 29- Mar 10, 2017
- Spring: Mar 13- Jun 9, 2017
What students say about Acera’s programs
“I love that I can use hammers and nails and saws on my own, and I can build what I want. I made a wooden boat that really swims, and I’ve made an instrument and it works.” – Leo (9)
“We went around the school to get bacteria, and then exposed them to different environments in the lab. We’ll try to mutate them! I like the science lab because we get to run our own experiments and find out the results on our own.” -Sarah (14)
“I actually get to use my brain. We went orienteering. We went to the Natural History Museum. We went canoeing on Spot Pond. We got to build teepees out of large sticks. I like to use my hands and my mind. At Acera, I can move and build while I work stuff out in my head.” – Jonas (11)
