Nanan STEM Academy Showcases Student Skills at Annual Fair

The Nanan STEM Academy hosted its annual student fair on October 7, 2023, at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, marking the fourth consecutive year of this engaging event. Students had the opportunity to showcase their talents in areas such as coding, robotics, video game design, 3D printing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. The fair aimed to celebrate and enhance students’ technical skills while promoting essential life competencies.

Empowering Students Through Technology

Co-founder Shaun Nanan emphasized the importance of integrating technology into education, stating that these events provide students with valuable experiences that extend beyond the classroom. “They learn things like math and creativity, logical sequencing, troubleshooting, coding, and resiliency,” Nanan remarked during the event. He highlighted how such experiences cultivate confidence among students, particularly when they present their projects to the public.

Nanan further elaborated that the essence of entrepreneurship includes not just technical skills, but also the ability to communicate effectively. “Leadership, collaboration, communication, cultural competency, fortitude, and resiliency are essential non-technical skills,” he noted. According to him, interactive STEM activities serve as an effective medium to foster both technical and interpersonal skills. This approach not only equips students with the digital literacy required for future endeavors but also enhances their capacity to collaborate in group settings.

Inspiring Future Innovators

Among the participants was Abdurahman Honey, a student support assistant from Saskatoon, who is currently studying at the University of Saskatchewan. Honey aimed to inspire younger students by exposing them to the world of robotics. “It’s something fun that the kids have been doing,” he said. “Hopefully, in the future, the students will build on this passion, and it’ll lead to bigger applications and software.” He described the fair as a crucial learning opportunity for the students, serving as a stepping stone in their educational journey.

The Nanan STEM Academy expressed gratitude for the resources made available, which allowed for the successful execution of this event. Nanan mentioned that these STEM fairs occur every six months across Saskatchewan, specifically in the months of October and April, providing students with ongoing opportunities to engage with technology and innovation.

The student fair at the Saskatchewan Science Centre not only showcased the skills students have acquired but also aimed to instill a sense of confidence and leadership in the next generation of innovators. As the event concluded, it was clear that the Nanan STEM Academy continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in the region.