Written by Ingrid Gendler
Here at PAL we recognize the value of building STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) skills for our kids. In this blog post we would like to highlight some of PAL’s programs designed to help our young people gain confidence and knowledge in these all-important areas.
At PAL’s after-school programs we offer a variety of activities intended to develop in our students interest in and engagement with STEM subjects. From Chess club to STEM club, PAL kids are encouraged to engage with math, technology, and the hard sciences across a variety of activities .
PAL has also partnered with Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CUCE) and CUNY to teach students about healthily eating habits, and about knowing where our food comes from. PAL kids previously worked with Cornell graduate students to learn about sustainability and the environment, and about how to grow plants and vegetables indoors! Our kids were able to grow their own lettuce, basil, cilantro and oregano in PAL’s hydroponic classroom at our Duncan Center, and were able to take home their fresh veggies to enjoy with their families.
Most recently, youth at PAL’s Breuckelen center took part in STEM exploration. With the help of our partner Con Edison, participants learned all about the engineering process while designing and building creative and colorful structures and scenes. The children were very engaged in the engineering process, using simple tools like construction paper or dry spaghetti!
We hope participants take these valuable STEAM skills and interests that they have built in our programs with them into their future academic pursuits and careers.
