While many students are enjoying the summer break, IU School of Education student Haley Chase is staying busy teaching STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math, and art) classes in Bedford, Indiana.
Chase, a third year student majoring in elementary education with a blended and online learning certification, has been teaching STEAM-related lessons with Superior STEAM 4-H Club for a few years. This summer, she’ll be teaching all about Osmo, a computer program that combines digital technology with physical pieces to create a learning experience through gameplay. Using the camera and a mirror attachment, students are able to play games by manipulating game pieces in front of the device.
“There are a large variety of games that touch many academic skills: mathematics, problem solving, creativity, programming, reading, spelling, writing, drawing, motor skills, money skills, geometry, and more!” Chase said. “I love Osmo because it makes learning a fun experience for students.”
At first, Chase would check out materials from the Teaching Technology Lab and teach lessons around the materials she borrowed for her Computer Science classes. She learned of Osmo through these classes and worked with a high school robotics student to apply for an $8,043 grant to buy the supplies. As more students join the classes, the grant money has helped purchase more game sets and iPads.
