Tanzania Flying Labs Introduces 'Arts' to STEM in New STEAMBOTS Program

By Tanzania Flying Labs

Here is a tip for all trainers who intend to introduce new technology to young students: give them control and get out of the way. We are not trying to be facetious. Time and again we've recognized how sophisticated and tech-savvy the current generation of youth is, requiring only a brief tutorial and they are ready to go. Having learned this valuable lesson, we are introducing a new Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program called STEAMBOTS.

Our first session was held last week with our new partners from Projektinspire, with students from various backgrounds and a particular focus on girls. The tech industry is primarily male-dominated, even though women have made significant contributions to science and technology throughout history. Despite this, women face discreet and overt discrimination to avoid STEM careers.

Hosted in Dar es Salaam, the event had two stages. First, introducing the central theme of nature conservation in marine protected areas where the students made origami of various aquatic animals.

The second segment then introduced the students to drones and how to pilot them safely over an area of interest.

We must prepare our children for the fourth industrial revolution, where increased automation will require a more highly skilled labor force. In the first photo above, Christine is a brilliant student who already possesses high social intelligence, and if given the right exposure and skills, will proposer in this new age. We intend to scale-up STEAMBOTS and reach kids in limited-resource settings around the country. Your support in any form is warmly welcome.