Indigenous Youth Robotics Program

IndigeSTEAM integrates modern science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with Indigenous wisdom to co-create an innovative future for all. We collaborate with scientists, educators, and community members to provide ongoing ways for students to engage in STEAM and learn from one another in new settings.

Who?

Best fit for students in their EDUC 400s or their non-education years

Working with students aged 9-14

What?

Group workshop-based program

Focus on robotics, indigenous youth, and STEAM education

When?

Saturdays between March and May, 2021

Most workshops run from 1:00-4:00pm

30 hour time commitment

Where?

March, date TBD: Nutrien Centre, Stampede Grounds

Most other days: Writing Symbols Lodge, 390Z MacEwan Student Centre on Campus

What's Involved

IndigeSTEAM has several opportunities for pre-service teachers to volunteer. You can find out more about our programs at indigesteam.ca. The upcoming opportunities include:

Robotics, Sept to Nov, 2022. Location(s) TBD. Participate as coach/mentor for students 9-16 participating in robotics club as they build for the 2022 Robot Pow Wow, Nov 5 & 6, 2022.
VR programming for youth. Fall/Winter 2022/2023. We are working with Red Iron Labs to develop teaching workshops in VR for Oculus Quest 2 for youth to tell stories in their language and contribute to the development of visual dictionaries in their language. Currently piloting Blackfoot with Blackfoot Revitalization and Red Iron Labs. Contribute with classroom management and learn alongside the youth.

As a robotics coach, you will work with Indigenous students from the beginning of their journey with robotics (including building and programming), through their learning journey, to their culminating powwow and tournament in early May.
Coaches will support students' learning with relevant connections to science, math, and arts curriculum, and introduce new challenges for students as they design and iterate their robots.
Working alongside experienced educators, scientists, and community members, you will help students to work together to solve problems and design innovative solutions based on their individual interests. The goal, throughout, is to create a space where students are the primary drivers of their learning.
Participants will attend and support the Powwow and Tournament on May 9th to support their students and see the culmination of their work since the beginning of the program.

Dates and Times

University Orientation: Time TBD based on student availability
MakerMinds STEAM Day: early March, date TBD, at the Nutrien Centre, Stampede Grounds
- This event will give you an opportunity to meet teachers working in STEAM programs and widen your knowledge of projects and activities presented by and for youth. Lunch will be provided!
IndigeSTEAM Orientation: Mid March, date TBD, during the first regular workshop
Robotics workshops will run from 1:00-4:00pm every Saturday between mid March and early May, specific dates TBD
Students who are unable to attend some of the workshops, but can still attend at least half, are welcome to participate
The Robotics Powwow and Tournament will be in early May, specific dates and times TBD.
Group Reflection Session: Time and Location TBD, based on student availability

Requirements

Pre-service teachers need a current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (issued after July 1, 2021). Students who do not already have a police check should begin this process at their local police station as soon as possible, as police checks often take 4-6 weeks to process.

Making Connections

Pre-service teachers will participate in 1 group meeting after the tournament to reflect on the service-learning experience, and to guide improvements for the program.