Creative Minds-Big Thinkers Fair: STEM Academy pre-Christmas open house

Young entrepreneurs (L - R) Lance, Jett and Ryder sold their hand-painted rocks during the open house at STEM Academy on Saturday, Dec. 18. The boys have been students in STEM programs throughout the year.

Adults and kids who haven’t been to the Stateline STEM Academy, and families unfamiliar with what goes on at this unique learning center, were in for a treat on Saturday, Dec. 18.

An open house, featuring all things STEM, offered an opportunity for kids and adults to witness the programs offered at the Academy as well as purchase some neat stuff made by students, including everything from painted rocks to making parts for catapults and wind-up cars.

The STEM program’s learning concept is based on science, technology engineering and math. Robotics and computer programming are among the programs taught.

Donna Curtis founded the program about five years ago. Until a year ago, classes were available at Roscoe and Rockton schools.  Last year STEM found a new permanent home at 9561 N.2nd St., next to Kid Spot in Roscoe.

At the Dec. 18 STEM Academy event, Curtis’s son Derick Korb held everyone’s attention, especially the boys, with a display of wind-up cars (wind up with a penny) and catapults. Korb designed and printed the pieces. He is the business owner of Distinctly Dynamic Designs.

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There are lots of optional hands-on Stateline STEM programs available, including after-school programs, home schooling support for children in first through sixth grade, Saturday programs and a variety of STEM camps offered during the summer months. Information about the STEM for Kids Stateline program is available online and by calling 608-352-8330.

Derick Korb designed and demonstrated how to create catapults and race cars during the STEM Open House on Saturday, Dec. 18. The STEM Academy is located at 9461 N. 2nd St., in Roscoe.