The first component of the kit is the beautiful 40 page storybook.
"Susie Stem and Friends Take Silver Island," uses Susie and her inventive gang of forest friends to take children through the process of solving a problem using the steps of the engineering design process - Ask - Imagine - Design - Create - Redesign. As with most problems, the problem in the book could be solved in any number of ways. The book encourages children to work through the problem along with Susie and her friends imagining their own solutions. This book is the first in a series of books starring the Stem family and friends. These books will solve every day problems encountered by the characters by using science, technology, engineering, and math.
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The second component of the kit is a set of basic supplies that can be used to build prototypes.
The tools that are included with the Creativity Kit are things that are household items like popsicle sticks, foil, rubber bands, duct tape, paper clips, string, etc. We want kids to see things in the real world around them and realize that they can make something new from these things. These items are included to get your little inventor started. We encourage you to keep adding different items to your kit as your child continues to build and imagine new ways to solve the characters problems in the book.
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The third component of the kit is the adorable Susie STEM figurine.
The Susie Stem figurine helps bring the story to life for the child and encourages STEM play. Susie's figurine was designed so that she can easily be used in testing solutions. She is small, lightweight, and flat on the bottom so she fits into prototypes with ease. During testing, children judge their creations to see just how well each solution works for Susie. Having Susie for testing encourages children to find the best solution for their little friend.
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And the final component of the kit is the online environment which supports learning and engages children to higher levels of STEM discovery.
Embedded throughout the book are QR codes that can be scanned with any mobile device. These enable us to take children to videos from STEMbrainy laboratories. Here some science, technology, math, and engineering concepts can actually be demonstrated in video format including things like testing solutions, considering alternatives and keeping data tables to compare results. This added component is not necessary for the story to make sense but offers a way that technology can be used to enhance the story.
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About the creators of The STEM's Creativity Kit
Kim and John Seaver are parents of three who are driven to inspire the youth of today to achieve great things.
Kim has been an elementary school teacher for 14 years. She has taught in many capacities including exceptional education, general education, technology, gifted education and science lab. She has been nominated for several awards in science and was selected Teacher of the Year for her school in 2014 and 2017. For Kim, it is about developing a love of science, technology, engineering, and math in her students. This philosophy and true love for her subject matter have led to an increase in student achievement in science at her school, but more importantly students are leaving the school with a love for science and the confidence that is necessary for continued success in STEM. She has been working to change the dismal statistics in STEM at the school level and now hopes to bring this drive and love to children everywhere.
John has worked as a graphic designer in many capacities for more than 20 years. His skill set includes web design, package design, product design, video production, animation, and print media. He has designed products and packages that have been on the shelves in major retail chains worldwide including Walmart and Target. John has previous experience in educational design as he worked with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in bringing several educational series to market. He has won many awards for his product and package designs.
Kim and John were selected as contestants on ABC's The Toy Box Season 2. Their episode aired on November 12, 2017. They presented The STEM's Creativity Kit to a panel of kid judges.
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Risks & Challenges
The book is written and the packaging and product have been designed. We are in the process of selecting vendors and have several qualified companies sending samples. It is possible to experience delays in printing and production of the book, kit, and character. However, we expect this to be a relatively smooth process since John comes with more than 20 years experience in dealing with this type of production.
