Nanan STEM Academy Showcases Student Innovations at Annual Fair

The Nanan STEM Academy hosted its annual student fair on October 21, 2023, at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, marking the fourth consecutive year of this event. Students showcased their skills in various areas, including coding, robotics, video game design, 3D printing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Co-founder Shaun Nanan expressed enthusiasm for continuing this tradition, emphasizing the importance of practical application of technological skills in today’s world.

Nanan noted that through these activities, students develop essential competencies such as math, creativity, logical sequencing, and troubleshooting. “They just gain confidence when they’re working on these video games,” he stated during the event. His vision extends beyond technical skill acquisition; he highlights the significance of non-technical skills vital for entrepreneurship, including leadership, collaboration, communication, cultural competency, and resilience.

Shaun Nanan emphasized that interactive STEM activities are the best means of imparting these skills. “Now the best way to deliver this is through interactive STEM activities,” he explained. These experiences not only enhance digital literacy but also foster teamwork among students. Many participants, who might have initially been hesitant, gained the confidence to present their projects publicly.

Among the attendees was Abdurahman Honey, a student support assistant with Truly Alive, who traveled from Saskatoon to participate. As a second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan, Honey teaches younger students about robotics. He remarked on the fun aspect of the activities, stating, “It’s something fun that the kids have been doing and wanted to expose them to something that’s robotics related.” Honey expressed optimism that this exposure might ignite a passion for robotics, leading to more complex projects and applications in the future.

The Nanan STEM Academy is thankful for the resources available, which have allowed students to engage in these enriching experiences. Nanan highlighted that STEM events take place every six months in Saskatchewan, scheduled for October and April. This consistent engagement aims to nurture future innovators equipped with both technical and interpersonal skills necessary for the evolving job market.

The student fair not only serves as a platform for showcasing talent but also as a crucial stepping stone in the educational journey of young learners. By integrating fun with learning, the Nanan STEM Academy continues to pave the way for a generation of confident, skilled individuals ready to tackle future challenges.