May springs off with Innovative New Brunswick Teachers & Students
Be inspired by “Inspiration Makers!” and upcoming events, highlights & programming for New Brunswick in May!
Inspiration Makers!
This year Brilliant Labs is looking for teachers and students who inspire others to be their best and who are taking chances to innovate education through hands-on STEAM learning. We’re pleased to share this New Brunswick’s “Inspiration Maker!”
Audrey, Centre d’apprentissage du Haut-Madawaska (CAHM), NB
Audrey is an 8th-grade student at CAHM. Upon meeting her, one quickly realizes her level of commitment to her studies and to creative projects that excite her. For instance, this year, Audrey was able to develop and enhance her project of musical plants, which combines programming on Scratch, the use of a Makey-Makey, and artificial intelligence. After creating software, she trained it to recognize shapes to then trigger a command to play music. Additionally, it was possible to play different musical pieces by touching the plants. Audrey explains:
It was really interesting! I discovered that I was good at coding!
Audrey is deeply familiar with her creative project, having dedicated several years to its development. “Initially, my teacher sought someone for a musical project, and I volunteered,” she recalls. “Last year, I also contributed to illuminating dresses with small lights for a fashion show. I realized the b.Board offered advanced capabilities, enabling us to connect multiple devices simultaneously. For instance, integrating music and lights seamlessly is effortless with the b.Board.”
At her school, Audrey took the initiative to teach younger students how to solder electrical circuits. She believed it was important to ensure continuity and help younger students succeed in their future projects. “It’s not always easy at first, but with time and practice, you get better!” In addition to assisting teachers, Audrey’s help other students. “Afterward, I’m glad I could help. It’s something I enjoy doing too. Sometimes, the solder doesn’t hold, and you have to start over. You also have to make sure the wires are in the right place.”
Since soldering is linked to several projects, and it’s my last year here before going to high school, I think it’s important to take the time to show younger students and other classmates how to handle it.
Audrey sees the time spent on all her creative projects at school not as a waste, but rather as a way to better enjoy and appreciate all that can be done and learned at school. Additionally, she loves working with the Brilliant Labs team when they come to the school to assist.
We have a lot of fun learning new things like coding, and we learn that not everything will work the first time. Most of the time it works, failures develop patience.
Read the full article by Roberto Gauvin, former director of CAHM, in French by following this link: https://brilliantlabs.medium.com/audrey-soucy
Thank you to the City of Miramichi and STEM North ASD-North for making the #BLInnovationFair (IF) a true showcase of creativity, innovation, and community spirit, with more than 2,500 youth, teachers, and visitors attending on April 4th from all 4 Atlantic Provinces (many seen here is this celebration video). We were honoured to help kick off your week-long celebration leading up to the total solar eclipse on April 8th.
Winter Outdoor Learning Retreat
Natural Making for educators, Knowlesville Art & Nature Centre, NB
This winter, on February 17–18, 2024, educators from across the province gathered for an enriching professional learning experience at Knowlesville Arts & Nature Centre (KANC). The theme, “From Sustainable Living to Biomaking in Education,” guided the two-day workshop, where 25 educators and 6 children immersed themselves in exploring connections to the land and practicing Natural Making pedagogies in the winter, with a special focus on biomaking.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in hands-on activities and discussions, exchanging ideas and strategies for integrating sustainability and Biomaking into their teaching practices.
This professional retreat was a remarkable success, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to incorporate their newfound knowledge into their classrooms. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact their experiences will have on teaching and learning in the coming months.
Special thank you to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Centres of Excellence for supporting NB teachers & students through Brilliant Labs hands-on STEAM learning activities/experiences.
Want to nominate a teacher or student working with Brilliant Labs in New Brunswick? Send your nomination to us!
