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  • Shaun Nanan

Industry Sponsorship Fuel Growth of First Nations Family STEM Program, Student Project Showcase

On May 11, 2024, students of Nanan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Academy displayed the spirit of innovation and creativity at the second annual “Innovators Unleashed – Student Project Showcase,” which was held at the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Students ranging from 7 to 14 years old showcased their remarkable projects in coding, robotics, and 3D printing. It was also a celebration of industry support for the First Nations Family STEM program.

The projects included video games created by our young innovators using Scratch and Python programming. These games not only entertained, but also demonstrated the students’ mastery of coding concepts. The showcase also featured a fascinating collection of robotic devices, both autonomous and remote-controlled. Equipped with Arduino microcontrollers, Raspberry Pi single-board computers, and Edison Robot educational kits, the projects demonstrated the students’ ingenuity in applying technology to solve real-world problems. In a fusion of technology and art, students explored AI tools to compose songs by using Suno.

Cowessess First Nation’s Princess, Pimâtisiwin Mequahquay, explained the logic behind her game

Nanan Academy offers a long-term, sustainable program designed to nurture 21st-century skills among our learners. Skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and digital literacy were evident in every project, preparing students for the demands of the future workforce.

Periodic Table of the Elements designed by student Chiara Morrison

Gratitude is extended to K+S Potash Canada and Enbridge for their generous sponsorship of the First Nations Family STEM Program, currently supporting Cowessess First Nation and Piapot First Nation families. These sponsorships enable Nanan Academy to reach even more students and empower them with the skills and knowledge they need to become the next generation of innovators and creators.

Left to Right: Shaun Nanan, Co-Founder of Nanan Academy; Melissa Shepherd, K+S Potash Canada; Sandy Pinay-Schindler, Director of Education of Cowessess FN; Jo Overby; Chelsea Iatridis, K+S Potash Canada

Instructor Stephanie Morrison applauded the students’ efforts, remarking, “Their projects showcase a deep understanding of technology and a passion for learning. It’s inspiring to see such enthusiasm and talent.” To learn more about the Academy’s innovative programs, please visit Nanan STEM Academy. Join us in shaping the next generation of innovators and creators!

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