FROM August 10-13, Project RISE (Repositioning Instruction through Science Engagement) hosted a community-based science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) summer camp at the Caribbean Palm Estate Community Centre in Kingston.

The initiative was organised by university lecturer and founder of Project RISE, Kadesha Croney, who is passionate about using innovative science education to create opportunities for Jamaican children and young people. Project RISE’s broader vision is to bring quality STEAM experiences beyond traditional classrooms and directly into communities, particularly those in which children may have fewer opportunities to access robotics, coding, scientific experimentation and other emerging areas of learning.

Kadesha Croney, founder, Project RISE.

The camp provided children from underserved communities with an opportunity to explore STEAM in an engaging, hands-on environment.

Project RISE was originally developed as a school-based educational intervention, using science as a vehicle to improve literacy, student engagement, and 21st-century skills. However, under the guidance of Jamaican scientist Dr Debbie Devonish, the initiative is now expanding beyond the school environment and into inner-city communities, with the goal of making meaningful STEAM experiences more accessible to children who may otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in such programmes.

The four-day camp provided students with a range of interactive learning experiences, including coding and robotics, hands-on science experiments, STEAM design and problem-solving challenges, career talks, and exposure to STEAM-related careers, arts and expression activities, team-building and icebreaker activities, and collaborative challenges designed to develop creativity, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Scientist Tasherie Robinson (right) from the SRC conducting a solar system experiment with the campers.

The programme was designed not only to expose students to STEAM disciplines, but also to encourage creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The programme was strengthened through the support of several important Jamaican stakeholders and partners. The Scientific Research Council supported the camp and its focus on science, technology, and innovation. The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean provided students with exposure to coding and robotics, giving them an opportunity to develop their digital skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities through practical STEAM activities. Dr Devonish provided advice on STEAM-related careers. The Jamaica Biscuit Company provided refreshments for the students throughout the camp, helping to ensure that participants were supported during the daily activities, and Fontana Pharmacy provided materials and items needed for the STEAM challenges, as well as gifts for the participating students.

At the conclusion of the camp, students were awarded STEAM certificates in recognition of their participation and accomplishments.