Blog

Pedagogy of Play

On September 2, 2024, families and friends came together at the Saskatchewan Science Centre for the Labour Day Play Day event. It was a day full of fun activities and shows, with something for everyone to enjoy and learn from. The place was buzzing with energy and excitement as visitors explored the different stations and exhibits.

One of the booths was run by Nanan STEM Academy, known for its unique educational approach. Their booth was busy all day, with activities that kept kids and parents engaged in learning about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

Parents and Children Engage in STEM Activities

The fun and engaging stations at the booth were robotics, Minecraft, and Snap Circuits. At the Robotics programming station, children and parents learned how to code and control the Edison robot. It was a fun way for them to practice problem-solving and logic while making the robots move through courses. The Ozobots were also fun to use. These tiny robots followed lines that participants drew in different colors, which controlled the robot’s movement. Also, the Minecraft Education Edition station fostered participants’ creativity. They worked together to build virtual structures, which helped them learn teamwork, problem-solving, and design skills. At the Snap Circuits station, kids explored the basics of electronics. They used circuits to make lights, fans, and buzzers work, sparking their interest in engineering through hands-on activities.

Edison Robot Activity

What made this event impactful was its use of exploratory learning through a pedagogy of play. Kids were encouraged to try new things, experiment, and learn by doing, which made the activities not only fun but also memorable.

Collaborating in Minecraft

You may also like these articles

Ringing in 2025 with ‘Noon Year’s Eve’ Event at the Saskatchewan Science Centre

On December 31, 2024, the Saskatchewan Science Centre hosted its annual Noon Year’s Eve event, a family celebration packed with exciting activities and unforgettable moments. Children and families delved in activities like face painting and the ‘Shrinky Dinks Activity.’ Guests explored the cosmos through the immersive ‘Star Trip’ and marvelled at the wonders of ‘Science […]

  • Shaun Nanan

Gratitude to Yara Belle Plaine for Generous Donation of Laptop Computers

We are thrilled to announce that Yara Belle Plaine, a nitrogen based mineral fertilizer production company, has donated laptop PCs to Nanan STEM Academy. This generous contribution has empowered us to expand our programming and further our mission of equipping students with essential 21st-century skills. With these modern laptops, our students will gain access to […]

  • Shaun Nanan

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: A Call to Action in Education with Cultural Competency Integration

September 30, 2024, marks Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation—a day to reflect, remember, and recognize the profound impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities. At Nanan STEM Academy, we honour this day by emphasizing the power of education as a vehicle for healing and progress, especially through the lens of Science, Technology, Engineering, […]

  • Shaun Nanan