Saskatchewan Students working with Leading-Edge Technology

Nanan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Academy held its first annual student project showcase at Grant Hall Hotel in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on November 6, 2022. The fascinating projects demonstrated by students include custom-built robotic devices and video games as featured on Global News, CBC Radio, Moose Jaw Today, and Discover Moose Jaw.

Nanan STEM Academy is an educational platform providing educational technology support to school systems as well as after-school programs. Students in the after-school program worked on capstone projects to demonstrate what they have learned in the program.

There were advanced students working on remotely-control and autonomous robotics that is controlled by a microcontroller. They learn how to interface electronic components and code the robot in C/C++. The younger group of students showcased animations and video games using block programming called Scratch. Nanan STEM Academy provides a sustainable program that provides training from kindergarten to Grade 12 and beyond.

Cong Rao, 14, demonstrated his project, which was a remotely-controlled rover that was controlled with a Play Station controller.

“The application of the rover can be used in search and rescue situations. It was a lot of fun to build this project,” Cong explained.

Elaine De Loyola, an instructor in the Nanan Academy, inspires youth in the field of STEM.

“In this innovative approach to education, students learn essential skills for success such as critical thinking, problem-solving, logical sequencing, and creativity,” De Loyola explained. “Students become extremely engaged in the work while having fun developing those essential skills.”