KPBSD’s second Upstream Academy in October expanded to include students from both Title VI and Migrant Education–this brought a new dynamic and an element of cultural diversity and sharing to the academy! Students from Kachemak-Selo joined other migrant students from Homer, Soldotna, and Sterling and were able to share their lifestyle and culture with our Title VI students to the benefit of everyone.
Students were able to design their own obstacle courses for their drones, then code their drones on an aerial pathway through the course. Students could choose the difficulty for the courses and often had to rework the courses as they coded along. In addition, student’s problem solved issues facing drone technology and sought to understand how the current technology could be improved upon. This led to creative designs for future technology.
The success of Upstream Academy in part goes to the amazing community partners who help put together a week of STEM-based activities. The Alaska State Troopers came with their armored Bear Cat and demonstrated how the current technology in law enforcement keeps all of us safe. Students were even able to check for speeders in the Kenai Spur Highway using the Trooper radar equipment and drive their SWAT team robots. The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Rangers taught students how they collect evidence in the field and how to read topography maps with their high-tech sand table.
Students enjoyed a visit to the Kenai Peninsula College where they learned about dorm life “ResLife”, and the welding, paramedics, and process technology departments. Dr. Nels Anderson even taught students how to start their own fires in the wilderness, using what they have on hand. The Kenaitze Tribe’s Yaghanen Youth Center provided a great afternoon learning about and participating in Native Youth Olympics.
“This week was so inspiring because I saw students who came in very shy and timid, but by the end of the week, these were the very kids that were helping other students troubleshoot their drones. It was an amazing transformation to see! This academy brought many kids out of their shells and they really seemed to have a sense of belonging and purpose.” –Kristin Jones, Lead Interventionist, Skyview Middle School
Story contributed by Rachel Pioch, KPBSD Migrant Recruiter, Skyview Middle School Title VI Tutor, Native Youth Leaders Advisor
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Students drone and buzz during Upstream Academy
STEM Camp in Kenai
One nonstop week, 34 KPBSD students, community volunteers and instructors make a definite buzz in Upstream Academy, a STEM camp for Title VI middle school students! May 29 – June 3, 2017, students from throughout the KPBSD lived at the Challenger Learning Center in Kenai, Alaska, to take part in the weeklong overnight camp which emphasized up and coming drone technology. Title VI funding made the camp possible, free of charge to students, with each being able to take home their own Parrot Mambo mini drone.
Design and build
Engineers from Homer Electric Association, Tesoro, and Conoco Phillips volunteered their time to help students learn to fly and code their drones through an obstacle course designed to simulate medical aid drops in needed areas.
Career
In addition to learning about and working with drones, the students took part in field trips to the Kenai Peninsula College, where they learned about the paramedics and process technology fields.
Heritage
Students were able to learn about their heritages through visits to the K’beq Cultural Center, and the Dena’ina Wellness Center, plus participation in a talking circle led by Dena’ina staff.
Technology and public safety
Alaska State Troopers were on site with their SWAT team robot and Bear Cat, where students learned about how technology can be used to keep Troopers and civilians safe in difficult situations.
Exploration and connection
Additional activities included a field trip to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, a Challenger Center Mission to Mars, a community service project with the City of Kenai, and recreation times at Jumpin’ Junction, Mountain View Elementary gym and playground, and the Kenai Central High School pool.
The week-long camp ended after a family BBQ at Spirit Lake on June 3, 2017, where campers said goodbye to newly made friends and asked camp staff if they could come back next year! Plans are in the works for future Upstream Academy camps.
Story contributed by Rachel R. Pioch, KPBSD Migrant Recruiter, Skyview Middle School, Title VI Tutor, Native Youth Leaders Advisor
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