A few years ago, a spark of inspiration ignited in my mind—a vision for a groundbreaking convention at one of Pennsylvania's premier Science & Art Historical Museums, ArtsQuest. With passion and purpose, I crafted my proposal and shared it with them. To my delight, they embraced my idea wholeheartedly, and together, we set out on an extraordinary journey!
In our inaugural year, we anticipated welcoming around 500 attendees. Instead, we were astounded to host over 5,000 enthusiastic individuals from all corners of the globe! It was a truly remarkable achievement, though it also felt a bit daunting at times, with just my husband, our adult children, and a handful of dedicated volunteers by my side. Yet, this experience opened our eyes to a profound truth: the world craves Educational Entertainment, or EDUtainment, more than we ever imagined.
The magic of our event wasn’t solely due to the stunning venue—ArtsQuest, renowned for its industrial charm and spectacular music festivals—but rather the transformative power of our Educational Entertainment. We took what was often seen as a mundane topic—STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)—and breathed new life into it, evolving it into a vibrant and relatable narrative: STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Makers).
This journey has shown me the boundless potential that lies in creativity and collaboration.
Today I will share the concept with you and how you can utilize this method for students, employee retention, and customer loyalty …
WHAT IS STEAM?
STEAM is a powerful concept that has been around for a while, originally coined by the University of Virginia to encompass the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. However, during my interview with Hawk Radio, I shared an important insight: many people find the terms “Science” and “Math” to be daunting. Yet, the truth is that we all engage with these subjects in our daily lives, often without even realizing it!
When asked if they excel in science and math, most individuals will sheepishly respond with a resounding “Absolutely not!” But here’s the exciting part: the fundamentals of Science and Math form the very backbone of our world today, even in Art, Cooking, Video Games, and Legos! That’s why I chose to reimagine STEAM in a way that was not only accessible but also invigorating. By replacing the term “Math” with “Makers,” I injected a sense of creativity and enthusiasm into the mix.
Then by blending the allure of “Steampunk” fashion with engaging, hands-on workshops and captivating films throughout the day, it was not just education; it was an adventure, making it a joyful experience that inspired curiosity and creativity.
WHAT IS STEAMPUNK?
Steampunk is not just a genre; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation! Steampunk is a world where the remnants of a post-apocalyptic vision intertwine with the elegance of Victorian fashion and the boundless possibilities of STEM disciplines. For example, the lightbulb—a brilliant fusion of science, technology, engineering, and math, sparked by an explosion of imaginative ideas.
With Steampunk, we embraced this spirit of ingenuity and blended it with a captivating aesthetic. That's where the magic of EDUtainment comes into play! It offers a unique opportunity for people to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of learning and entertainment. Attendees reveled in the beauty of fashion, design, dance, music, and art, all while expanding their minds and igniting their passions.
THE RESULTS OF EDUTAINMENT
The outcome was nothing short of extraordinary! As the evening drew to a close, we were greeted by a wave of parents, kids, teens, and adults, all expressing their astonishment at how much they had absorbed—without even realizing it! The joy of discovery was palpable as participants immersed themselves in a world of creativity and exploration. Our workshops spanned a vibrant array of topics, from the wonders of Robotics and Science to the artistry of Woodworking, Cooking, and Art! It's a testament to the magic that happens when learning and fun come together.
EDUTAINMENT TODAY
Utilizing EDUtainment in schools, companies, and organizations requires a creative and passionate visionary to lead the charge, but the journey is filled with excitement, learning, and innovation for everyone involved. The joy of seeing your students, employees, and clients engage with your mission and the subjects at hand in a vibrant and memorable way is every educator and business owners dream! This approach not only deepens their understanding of you and your organization but also ignites their enthusiasm and curiosity, leaving a lasting impression that inspires growth and connection for years to come.
Comments