This week our two science teachers, Kelly Otto and Aimee Hawes, attended FUSE studio training. The FUSE Studio slated to open to Concord students this fall is unique in the United States. In fact, Concord will be one of only ten studios across the county.
The studio represents a dedicated work space for student-led learning. The studio will be filled with equipment from computers with CAD and programming software to two different heavy duty 3D printers. The studio will take the place of the traditional computer lab as the district moves to one-to-one technology.
The FUSE curriculum is STEAM focused, challenge-based and exposes the students to 21st century work skills, graphic design, robotics, app development, electronics, biotechnology and much more. The students will have access to the curriculum and studio in the FUSE 7/8 elective or their 6th-8th grade science classes.
The teachers were incredibly excited this week as they were creating avatars, taking on challenges, persevering through problems, learning the software, and planning for implementation. Kelly Otto said, "I am so excited. This is amazing. The skills the students are going to learn are amazing."
Concord was afforded this opportunity when the district was awarded a grant from SIEMENS. The grant totaled over $20,000 and will cover program expenses for the next two years. "We are so lucky and thankful to SIEMENS to be able to bring this opportunity to our students."