Written by: Katie Scott
The School of Education and Psychology (SEP) is in the early stages of adding a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) hub to the Teaching Materials Center (TMC) located in Summerour Hall.
Currently, the TMC contains various teaching resources such as bulletin board supplies, craft utensils and curriculum guides. Kathryn McGrath, TMC Director, said the STEM hub will have many features, including basic coding applications, custom t-shirt making supplies and a 3D printer. This new addition to the TMC will not require a special membership. However, it may include a fee for utensils used.
This STEM hub is made possible by the Versacare Foundation grant. According to Lucas Patterson, associate director for administration, Versacare primarily aims to help Seventh-day Adventist institutions financially for educational advancements.
“[Versacare] covers our initial set-up,” McGrath said. “But of course, we will be looking for additional funding sources so we can expand our offerings and stay current with industry trends.”
SEP Professor Faith Laughlin cannot wait to see the technological impact that it will have on the local community.
“Technology is needed more than ever,” Laughlin said.
In order to optimize the STEM hub’s limited space, the SEP is currently evaluating TMC materials for currency and relevance, according to McGrath. The SEP will donate some of their items to other ministries.
However, due to limited space, McGrath said that they are “in the process of evaluating the materials in the TMC for currency and relevancy, and items which have served their useful life are being donated to other ministries” in order to accommodate the STEM hub.
McGrath anticipates the unveiling of the STEM hub by the end of this spring.