Estelle Curran is a strong supporter of integrating lessons on STEM education, computer science, coding and robotics into the curriculum for children in grades K through 8 beginning with the Rosarian Academy.
Sixty years ago, the idea of carrying a portable telephone in your pocket sounded like something out of a wild science fiction flick. Today, not only are cell phones a reality, the devices have become necessities. With built-in voice recognition technology enabling our phones to act as mini assistants, cell phones have truly transformed into smartphones. Nearly every aspect of our lives is made easier with the simple click of a button, or a spoken command.
Today’s children are not only growing up around handheld media devices, they are quickly becoming masters of the technology. There are smartphones and tablets designed specifically for young children who haven’t yet learned how to walk, let alone talk… and yet, they can power up a small computer to play games or watch videos in an instant. While some people may see this as a negative, Estelle Curran strongly believes that there are monumental benefits to fostering a child’s interest in computers. That’s why she’s a proud supporter of the recent partnership between Rosarian Academy and The Carnegie Science Center.
Rosarian Academy & Carnegie Science Center
Rosarian Academy’s incoming Head of School, Linda Tretheway, announced in 2018 that the school, which educates children in grades K through 8, has accepted a partnership with Carnegie Science Center. The recent merger brings a STEM Excellence Pathway program to the Academy — the first program of its kind in the state. The program will offer students a unique learning experience tailored toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Focus on robotics and coding will be integrated into the new lesson plans.
With technology developing at an exponential rate, school curriculums need to adapt to keep up. In order to assist in preparing children for success, Estelle Curran has contributed to the Professional Development at Rosarian Academy. With direction from Carnegie Science Center, the Professional Development program will provide intensive training to teachers at the beginning and end of each school year. The program will equip Rosarian Academy’s educators with the knowledge necessary to guide students to success in computer science.
K – 8 Computer Science & Coding
Estelle Curran believes that incorporating robotics lessons into math and science curriculums offers children a unique opportunity to learn about coding in a fun and interactive way. National competitions, such as FIRST Robotics, have turned the educational experience into a social endeavor. Working together, children on robotics teams learn about leadership through hands-on education. Rosarian Academy hopes to develop on this approach to learning with the introduction of the STEM Excellence Pathway Program.
Estelle Curran trusts that nurturing an interest in computers is the most effective way to prepare children for careers in the 21st century. She looks forward to becoming more involved with this exciting new realm of education.
