On the Road to Innovation: Connecting Communities Through STEM

The team at Nanan STEM Academy packed up laptops, robots, and enthusiasm before setting out on an exciting summer tour. Over July and August 2025, the crew visited 16 Palliser Regional Library branches across Southern Saskatchewan, delivering hands-on STEM workshops to kids aged 8 to 14. With the generous support of SaskPower, these sessions became unforgettable highlights of the summer for many young learners.

Each workshop was two hours of pure exploration. The rooms filled with excitement as students programmed robots like the mBot and Edison educational robot, built snap circuits, designed their own games in Scratch, and explored new worlds with Minecraft Education Edition. Students also engaged in big-picture conversations about Artificial Intelligence and how technology is shaping the world around us.

We were proud to connect with students and families in the following Saskatchewan communities:
Avonlea, Briercrest, Rouleau, Willow Bunch, Craik, Davidson, Mortlach, Wood Mountain, Rockglen, Elbow, Moose Jaw, Riverhurst, Coronach, Mossbank, Assiniboia, and Bethune.

This tour wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible educators at Nanan Academy: Thayne Winder, Stephanie Morrison, Daryl Law, Colin Friesen, Bri Colenutt, Gerry Turcotte, and Elaine De Loyola. Their creativity, passion, and dedication turned every session into an inspiring experience. We’re also grateful to the librarians at each Palliser Regional Library branch. Their support and hospitality made every stop on the tour feel like home.

The Nanan STEM Academy Summer Tour wasn’t just about robots and coding—it was about planting seeds for the future. Every robot programmed, every game created, and every curious question reminded us of the enormous potential of the next generation of innovators.