This shipping container filled with cool gadgets is sparking innovation at Hawaii schools

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

This shipping container filled with cool gadgets is sparking innovation at Hawaii schools HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A relatively new initiative that aims to get more Hawaii public school students interested in STEM is seeing success at DOE school campuses. The “Innovation Station” is a simple shipping container that was donated to Kalani High School’s robotics program. Inside the container, a wealth of technology and resources: 3D printers, laser printers, power tools, and STEM lessons that focus on physics, geology and circuitry. “We loved the idea of making it portable because we can drop it in any school,” said Kalani High School robotics teacher Bryan Silver, who helped lead the project’s development. “It’s getting more access to this technology out to our schools. “It’s great that one school has one suite of really cool tech but it doesn’t give the opportunity for other teachers to put it in their classrooms and how they can use it.” The “Innovation Station” is mobile and is currently inspiring students at Keolu Elementary School in Kailua. Previously, students at Kahala Elementary benefited from the traveling classroom. “It’s a neutral space. You don’t have to worry about disturbing someone else’s classroom. Any (teacher) can use it,” Silver added. And it’s not just students who gain from the “Innovation Station.” Kalani High School’s robotics students gain teaching and leadership skills by sharing their knowledge and passion for STEM education. “Future generations can explore their interest in STEM,” said Kalani sophomore Sydnie Melemai, program manager for the project. The Innovation Station allows (students) to broaden their horizons to different types of STEM.” The Innovation Station is part of a broader effort from the DOE to increase student interest and engagement in STEM learning. Education leaders hope the project can become a model. For more information on the initiative, click here. Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.