Our ongoing series spotlighting the nine dynamic afterschool programs offered by Cane Bay Cares afterschool program, Operation Inspire, continues with a look at “Achieving STEAM with Upcycling.” This innovative program is empowering 5th-8th graders at Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School to combine creativity, science, and sustainability in a hands-on way.
This STEAM based program allows students to find creative ways to repurpose objects while experimenting with ideas and working together to tackle design challenges. At the end of this program students will leave with more than a collection of unique creations—they will gain confidence, environmental awareness, and practical STEAM skills that spark curiosity and set a foundation for future learning.
Why incorporate STEAM with upcycling?
Teaching this program is about more than crafting—it’s about shaping innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers who see challenges as opportunities. It’s a lesson in creativity, sustainability, and empowerment that students will carry with them long after the program ends.
STEAM can sometimes feel intimidating, but upcycling makes it accessible by blending creativity with practical science and engineering concepts. This program also instills a sense of responsibility by showing students how small actions—like reusing materials—can contribute to a more sustainable world.
What does the program cover?
Through hands-on, project-based learning, the “Achieving STEAM with Upcycling” program introduces students to foundational STEAM concepts such as design principles, engineering basics and math. Students practice the design thinking process where they identify problems, pinpoint specific challenges, brainstorm innovative solutions, build their creations, test their creations andtroubleshoot. Most importantly they learn that this design thinking process can be applied to just about any real-life situation.
Stay tuned as we continue our journey through this incredible series, showcasing the diverse afterschool programs shaping the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders. With just two more installments to go, we’ll uncover even more inspiring ways young minds are being empowered to explore, grow, and achieve their full potential. Don’t miss what’s coming next!