The STEAM Centre will open this fall in St. Thomas, bringing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education to learners of all ages. It will introduce creative learning tools, from 3D printers and CNC (computer numerical control) machines to laser cutters and robots, to support students and innovation at the intersection of science and the arts. |
Housed in the historic Wellington Street Public School building, the Centre will serve communities across Southwestern Ontario, leading the charge to bring STEAM education and an authentic learning curriculum to students and teachers. Staff will encourage learners to invent and feel confident in their ability to problem-solve and develop skills that are essential in the world of advanced technologies.
Chatting in late August, the three-members of the newly formed STEAM team are excited to demonstrate some of their STEAM tools and to share the concepts which will make the centre an exciting place for learning. Also taking part in the demonstrations are local students Josh Taylor and Eiffie Cahill.
The conversation is invigorating as they use phrases like community inclusion, realizing new passions, collaborative environment, curiosity, problem solving, learning, and failure as a positive experience. I learn that playing the muffin bongos can induce curiosity about conductors in a way that “book” learning never did.
Chatting in late August, the three-members of the newly formed STEAM team are excited to demonstrate some of their STEAM tools and to share the concepts which will make the centre an exciting place for learning. Also taking part in the demonstrations are local students Josh Taylor and Eiffie Cahill.
The conversation is invigorating as they use phrases like community inclusion, realizing new passions, collaborative environment, curiosity, problem solving, learning, and failure as a positive experience. I learn that playing the muffin bongos can induce curiosity about conductors in a way that “book” learning never did.
Josh Taylor with Katamari video game designed by Chris Mcinnis from London. Photos by Mark Girdauskas
Executive Director, Jessica Moyes notes, “In daytime, we will really focus on K through 12 curriculum and engagement, and our initial priority will be on building age-specific programming in partnership with the Thames Valley District School Board. But generally we are a community centre and we look to provide workshops and multi-week courses for all learners, ages four through ninety-four. “
The STEAM Centre’s official grand opening will take place in October, and community members across Ontario will be invited to step inside to discover their own passion for creativity. In the meantime, meet the team!
Josh Gorman is St. Thomas born and raised. He comes to the Centre from Fanshawe College where he was a computer support technologist. Fred Cahill currently lives in Delaware, Ontario and his most recent work has been in the not-for-profit sector teaching kids to code and use creative technology. Executive Director, Jessica Moyes has returned to her hometown following work in New York, Edmonton and Toronto in charitable fund-raising and business development.
The STEAM Centre’s official grand opening will take place in October, and community members across Ontario will be invited to step inside to discover their own passion for creativity. In the meantime, meet the team!
Josh Gorman is St. Thomas born and raised. He comes to the Centre from Fanshawe College where he was a computer support technologist. Fred Cahill currently lives in Delaware, Ontario and his most recent work has been in the not-for-profit sector teaching kids to code and use creative technology. Executive Director, Jessica Moyes has returned to her hometown following work in New York, Edmonton and Toronto in charitable fund-raising and business development.
At any point when you’re studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics, if you focus on the creativity that’s possible, then there’s the immediate sense of wanting to join in and find out how it happens …
What prompted Jessica's return to St. Thomas? A lot of things … obviously, my love for Elgin County; my siblings and I were born and raised here. There was an opportunity where there was a marriage of a lot of my passions. I had said not too long ago that my dream job would be to marry fundraising with a leadership role in community development.I have a Masters of Education Policy where I looked at unique learners and equity … so it was just too many stars aligned to ignore it. But, really, it was a great opportunity to bring such a unique offering to Southwestern Ontario.
The STEAM Centre is located at 50 Wellington St, St. Thomas. STEAM Education Centres is a non-profit learning initiative in partnership with Thames Valley District School Board, City of St. Thomas and St. Thomas Public Library. Support has been received from the Estate of Dorothy Fay Palmer, the Government of Ontario and the City of St. Thomas.