Nanan STEM Academy Showcases Student Innovations at Annual Fair

Students at the Saskatchewan Science Centre had the opportunity to demonstrate their talents in various fields, including coding, robotics, video game design, 3D printing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, during the annual student fair hosted by the Nanan STEM Academy. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the academy has organized this event, which aims to highlight the importance of technology and innovation in education.

Co-founder Shaun Nanan expressed his enthusiasm for continuing this initiative, emphasizing the value of equipping students with relevant skills in an increasingly technology-driven world. “They would learn things like math and creativity, logical sequencing, troubleshooting, coding and resiliency, and fortitude,” Nanan stated during the event held on October 14, 2023. He noted that engaging in these activities helps students gain confidence, especially when they showcase their projects.

Beyond technical skills, Nanan aims to foster essential non-technical competencies such as leadership, collaboration, and communication. He believes that these attributes are vital for success in entrepreneurship and that interactive STEM activities effectively facilitate this learning process. “The best way to deliver this is through interactive STEM activities,” he explained. “These students that may have been shy at the beginning are now confident in getting up and showcasing their project to the public.”

The event attracted various participants, including Abdurahman Honey, a student support assistant from Saskatoon who teaches younger students about robotics. “It’s something fun that the kids have been doing, and I wanted to expose them to something that’s robotics related,” said Honey, a second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan. He expressed hope that the experience would ignite a lasting passion for technology among the students, paving the way for future innovations in software and applications.

The Nanan STEM Academy appreciates the resources made available to facilitate such events, which are held every six months across Saskatchewan, specifically in October and April. This commitment to education and student development underscores the academy’s dedication to preparing young learners for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

As the fair concluded, it was evident that the combination of technical skills and personal development is crucial for the next generation of leaders and innovators. Through initiatives like this, the Nanan STEM Academy is helping to shape a more confident and capable workforce ready to tackle the complexities of a rapidly evolving world.