Demarest, NJ: Selected engineering students from the Academy of the Holy Angels were among the exhibitors invited to the National Catholic Educational Association’s STREAM 3.0 conference in Parsippany. The multi-day event showcased the benefits of an interdisciplinary educational approach that integrates science, technology, religion, engineering, art, and mathematics.
AHA’s invitees Alexis (Eunvee) Kim of Norwood, Amelia Brunda of Paramus, and Joanna Hablitschek of Fort Lee demonstrated some of their favorite projects, which sprang from the Academy’s STREAM curriculum.
Kim brought the fully functional chair she constructed from cardboard. Brunda and Hablitschek highlighted engineering and robotics projects, including a dancing LED light show, a robot, and 3-D printed desktop organizers.
Throughout the day, the students connected with school administrators, leaders from the archdiocese, and educators who want to integrate more engineering and technology into their classrooms.
All of AHA’s exhibitors enjoyed a good deal of traffic at their tables as they demonstrated their knowledge and explained how they had resolved issues during the creative process.
Brunda had to problem-solve on the spot.
“Unfortunately, one of the wires came off of the battery pack for the robot, so it stopped functioning,” she explained. “Luckily, I was able to ask Joanna for one of her battery packs and I was then able to get it to start working again.”
The Holy Angels representatives, including chaperone Sharon Jureller, an AHA science teacher, enjoyed the experience. While on their lunch break, they relaxed by sharing friendly conversation and delicious fare.