February 2024: News and Inspiration from Newfoundland and Labrador
Be inspired by “Inspiration Makers!” and upcoming events, highlights & programming for Newfoundland in Labrador in February!
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 Newfoundland and Labrador’s “Inspiration Maker!”
Alpita Patro, Gonzaga Regional High School, NL
Alpita is the leading force behind a new student initiative at Gonzaga Regional High School, the Creators of Tomorrow STEAM Outreach Program, in St. John’s, NL.
After writing a proposal to her school administration and advertising her idea to her school student body, Alpita organized a group of students who would like to contribute to her vision to “advance STEAM education” for younger students in NL. As a starting point, they have organized a program at Rennie’s River Elementary, a neighboring school, with lots of young learners who are excited for the opportunity!
The group is aiming to provide opportunities for students to work together on STEAM projects and enhance their innovative, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. One of Alpita’s goals is to ensure global sustainability is at the forefront. Students may work on projects surrounding various issues within their communities and brainstorm innovative ways to tackle them.
On top of being a great opportunity for the elementary students, this 100% student-driven initiative is providing leadership opportunities for the High School students involved. Alpita and her team are on their way to the goal of ensuring “that the youth of NL are aware and have access to the vast opportunities in the STEAM world”. Alpita and her team have plans to expand the program to other schools and regions of the province!
Project Highlight
Crescent Collegiate, Blaketown, NL & Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School, St. John’s, NL
Students at Crescent Collegiate in Blaketown, NL and Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School in St. John’s, NL worked on a special project in time for Christmas.
Students adapted and re-wired toys that allow children and youth who have different needs to use them in a non-standard way. For example, they have re-wired toys to include jacks so that switches can be used with the toys to make them more accessible. These toys were donated to some local children in the school community as well as to the Janeway Children’s Hospital where the team of staff were able to provide them to children all over the province who would benefit from them. The groups have plans to expand their project and work more closely with the Janeway to help support children with assistive devices.
Special thank you to the Department of Education for supporting NL Teachers & Students through Brilliant Labs hands-on STEAM learning activities/experiences.
Want to nominate a teacher or student working with Brilliant Labs in Newfoundland and Labrador? Send your nomination to us!
