Nanan STEM Academy Showcases Student Innovation at Fair

The Nanan STEM Academy hosted its annual student fair at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, providing students a platform to demonstrate their skills in various fields, including coding, robotics, video game design, 3D printing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. This event marks the fourth consecutive year that the academy has organized this fair, emphasizing the importance of technology in education.

Co-founder Shaun Nanan expressed enthusiasm for continuing this initiative, noting the opportunity for students to apply their technological skills creatively. “They learn essential skills like math, creativity, logical sequencing, troubleshooting, coding, and resiliency,” Nanan stated during the event on October 14, 2023. “They gain confidence when working on these video games.”

Nanan stressed that the academy’s focus extends beyond technical proficiency. He highlighted the critical role of non-technical skills in entrepreneurship, such as leadership, collaboration, communication, cultural competency, and fortitude. “The best way to deliver this is through interactive STEM activities,” he explained. By engaging in group projects, students develop both digital literacy and collaborative skills, which are vital for their future success. “Students who may have been shy at the beginning are now confident in showcasing their projects to the public,” he added.

Among the attendees was Abdurahman Honey, a student support assistant with Truly Alive, who traveled from Saskatoon to inspire younger students in the field of robotics. “It’s something fun that the kids have been doing, and we wanted to expose them to something robotics-related,” said Honey, a second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan. He expressed hope that this early exposure would ignite a passion for robotics that could lead to significant future projects. “Today is a learning stepping stone for them.”

Nanan STEM Academy expressed gratitude for the resources available to facilitate such events, which occur every six months in Saskatchewan, specifically in October and April. These fairs not only showcase students’ innovative projects but also foster a community of learning and growth among young learners.

With a clear emphasis on the integration of technology and essential life skills, the Nanan STEM Academy continues to pave the way for future generations, ensuring students are well-equipped for the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.