Northeastern State University unveiled its new STEAM Maker Lab during a grand opening Tuesday evening, as part of an initiative to engage the community in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
The Robotics Academy of Critical Engagement was established five years ago to challenge practicing teachers, teacher candidates and public school students to start focusing more on critical thinking and problem-solving skills by using robotics. Barbara Fuller, director of RACE, said the STEAM lab was an opportunity to build from all the work the program has already accomplished.
"I think it was a natural transference from robotics to STEAM, because robotics really incorporates all of it," said Fuller. "We already doing all the acronyms: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. So we knew we wanted to take it a step further."
The STEAM Maker Lab, a product of NSU College of Education, will help individuals up and down the ladder of education, as it will help the teachers, soon-to-be teachers, public school students and community members.
Photo credit: Sheri Gourd, Tahlequah Daily Press