STEAM has always been a curriculum highly valued by VPA, integrating the elements of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts. It creates a multi-level, comprehensive learning environment, providing students with a more holistic and innovative learning experience.
STEAM Room
In the STEAM classroom, we have various machines that inspire students' creativity and enhance their hands-on skills.
Bandsaw, Belt Sander, Laser Cutter, 3D Printer
In addition to STEAM, we offer technology-related courses, including IT and Design. IT, or computer class, introduces basic computer functions to students in grades 3-5, teaching them to navigate the internet for research.
Design Thinking
Design, considered an advanced version of STEAM, is designed for middle school students. It combines the seven elements of design (line, shape, color, texture, space, form, value) with design thinking, fostering problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a sense of art and design.
Last week, we celebrated our annual STEAM DAY, featuring a series of fun activities prepared by Mr. Branstine. We were fortunate to have two outstanding parents deeply involved in the high-tech industry, as well as Mr. YuQing Yan, an education consultant from Tencent, delivering three fascinating lecture sessions.
Our student Yin Ai's father shared knowledge about AI, covering its definition, history, current applications, and future prospects. Our students not only warmly welcomed the presentation but also raised many thoughtful questions, actively engaging in an AI games.
Towards the end of the event, we had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Yin, who emphasized, "No matter if you're a child or a parent, we should grow and evolve with AI."
He further emphasized that "When facing AI, there is no gender difference," encouraging all children to break through mental constraints and stereotypes, recognizing the limitless potential within each individual. Mrs. Ai also mentioned two female students from Stanford University recently co-founded an AI company, creating a significant impact in the industry.
We aim to help children find and pursue what they love in a variety of rich courses, eliminating stereotypes such as "boys are more suited for science" or "girls are more suited for humanities." Every individual has his or her unique "suit."
Lin Zixiong's father delved into the world of robotics, explaining how robots operate and the principles and applications of laser radar technology.
Aligned with Mr. Yin, he also encourages parents and children to experience new technologies together, using technology as a supplementary tool to guide children to develop continuously on the road they love.
He is also a big fan of STEAM's philosophy: learn through problem solving. In his daily work, he often encounters a lot of difficulties, and it is very important to have a problem-solving mindset.
Mr. Yan, from Tencent, provided a fresh perspective, showcasing how artificial intelligence is applied in daily life and work.
He emphasized the importance of data analysis, stating that with enough data, we can better understand and predict human behavior. He also highlighted instances where police officers successfully used facial recognition technology to locate abducted children, demonstrating the tangible impact of AI on solving societal problems.
Mr. Yan praised our STEAM DAY, recognizing its value in fostering children's growth. He emphasized that the value of the STEAM education lies in focusing on human development. Through engineering tasks, children will naturally develop the skills of cooperation, expression, and a sense of responsibility.
Through teamwork, children will also get to learn about themselves, their strengths and preferences, and put what they have learned to use, rather than just dealing with exams.
In addition to the enlightening lectures, our students participated in various science experiments during STEAM DAY. These experiments included exploring the impact of sugar on liquid density, creating fruit batteries, demonstrating reversible and irreversible changes in plant pigments, and separating starch and protein through kneading flour.
The PTA memebers who presented that day expressed their deep appreciation for the enlightening experience and mentioned that they would embrace technology together with their children. They also conveyed sincere gratitude to VPA for organizing so many activities, allowing the children to broaden their horizons in a joyful environment.
No matter what path they will choose in the future, we hope that children will be inspired by VPA's STEAM education, maintaining curiosity, continually exploring, breaking the limitations, and never setting up limitations for themselves or other people.
