Taft Foundation

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) for Taft is an extra-curricular program targeted for middle school students at Taft District 90 in Lockport, IL. Children will challenge their problem-solving skills by building, programming, and decorating task-oriented robots through a LEGO platform. We have added the "A" for art. Why art with science, math, engineering and tech? It helps remove idea inhibition (there’s no wrong answer in art!). It focuses on the process which helps drive innovation. It teaches the power of observation, of people and your surroundings. It helps hone spatial awareness and mathematical concepts like geometry.

Students will compete in local, regional, and state competitions depending on their level of success. Our small one school district lacks the funding for such programs, which are under serving our students. We are lower income (49% free/reduced lunch) and need to enhance our science and technology curriculum. This program would serve 20% of our middle school population. We have a very motivated Science Teacher who is willing to serve as team leader for this project. Many of the resources can be obtained from local programs, but we do need a few computers and a small budget for materials and supplies for our "Bots". Students will begin the after school program in September, and will have weekly meetings before or after school to meet the scheduling needs of our student athletes. The competitions will begin in March/April. Both girls and boys will be encouraged to join. Students will work in teams of 4 and will be mixed in their grade levels for support. Our teacher will also utilize one adult helper in order to facilitate team work and team building. Students will also participate in one outside team building activity early in October to help students get to know each other, build relationships, and formulate bonds to carry over to the STEAM "bot" building.