Category: Education

  • Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics: World Championships Here We Come!

    Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics: World Championships Here We Come!

    Here at Generator we host Green Mountain Robotics, a regional robotics team comprised of Chittenden County high school students that competes in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). But did you know that you don’t have to wait until high school to get involved in robotics?

    FIRST Lego League is another option for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, and they offer multiple programs for students ages 4-16. A growing number of communities are coming together to form teams, and we had the chance to check in with Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics (GMHR), a team located in Williston that represents families in Chittenden County. GMHR has seen a lot of success in the two years they have been around, recently winning the State Championships. Now, they are preparing to head to the World Championships in Houston, TX in April. Continue reading to learn more about GMHR and how you can help support their world championship dreams!

    Team Name: Green MTN Homeschool Robotics
    What: FIRST Lego League Team
    Facebook: LINK
    Fundraising Page: LINK
    WCAX Story: LINK

    How did  Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics (GMHR) come to exist… How long has it been around?

    The Green Mountain Homeschool robotics team launched two years ago when we became aware of the need for a robotics team that could serve homeschoolers.   When researching FIRST Lego League, we watched the video “FIRST Global – Not A Robot”, and we were inspired to tackle the challenge of creating a team so that we could provide this tremendous opportunity for our students.

    What is FIRST Lego League and what kinds of activities or challenges are the students engaging with?

    FIRST Lego League is an organization that structures teams to compete in four areas— core values, robot design, robotics runs (solving a set of missions within a specific time frame by coding a custom robot), and innovation projects. Each year, an innovation challenge is released asking teams to solve a problem using innovative and inclusive technology.

    Why does FIRST Lego League include a service/innovation project? How does it connects to the rest of the program, and what is GMHR’s service project?

    FLL includes a service project/innovation project to help students understand how they can connect with their community and use technology to solve the world’s problems. One of the FLL founders has invented so many solutions to benefit others that his goal is to inspire this sort of thinking early on in our students. The Green Mountain Homeschool robotics team has chosen stone carving to answer this year’s challenge of using technology to introduce a favorite hobby to more people.  They are creating an app called “See the Stone” for the blind and visually impaired to stone carve as easily as a sighted person. They are partnering with Vermont’s Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired to design this app for blind children to use as part of their upcoming summer camp.

    Can you tell us a bit about winning the State Championship, and the upcoming world championships in Houston? What challenges will the students face? 

    The team was happy about what they accomplished together to win the State Championship.  Unlike many teams that have schools behind them, each student on our team represents their own homeschool and small town.  They come from four different towns to meet and solve problems together.  At the World Championship, the robotics challenges will stay the same, but the challenge of just getting there and raising the necessary funds will be this team’s biggest hurdle.  In Texas, there will be thousands of participants and attendees from countries worldwide, and our team is excited to compete at the highest level while also presenting the design for our app “See the Stone” to a much wider audience.

    This next set of questions were asked of the four students that currently comprise the Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics Team: Arielle, Emilyn, Ted, and JJ.

    How, and when, did you get involved with Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics?

    Arielle: I found out about GMHR from a friend who does it, and it sounded interesting. I just joined in 2023.

    Emilyn: I was friends with one of the team members before the team started, so when they got the idea to start a robotics team, I joined right away.

    Ted:  I started in August of 2022 when I was looking for activities to do during the school year.

    JJ:  I started as a way to refocus just after my grandfather, who had been living with us, passed away.

    What are your favorite parts about participating on this team?

    Arielle: I loved working with the team to create an innovation project. We have to work together to figure stuff out. I also liked working on the robot and helping code with the team. It is great to celebrate when we break through a tough part.

    Emilyn: My favorite parts are everything!  I love the challenge of the innovation project each year and the super intense excitement of competing on the robot runs.  When the referee calls “Teams, are you ready?  3,2,1, LEGO!” we start the robot runs that we’ve worked so hard to code, and for the next 2 ½ minutes we are so focused, that despite all the crowd cheers, our eyes are only busy following the robot.

    Ted: It is super fun, and you make new friends. It is probably the most fun form of learning out there. We also get to learn about and use cool software.

    JJ: It combines all my favorite things:  good friends, playing with LEGO, and coding simultaneously.

    What are some of the things you’ve learned through FIRST Lego League?

    Arielle: I learned how to code better and how to program a robot.

    Emilyn: I’ve learned how to code and that it can sometimes be fun to be nervous on competition day as we make sure we are where we need to be with all the components of our robot.  I’ve also learned that I love giving presentations!  It feels just like performing on stage, and theater is another favorite hobby of mine.

    Ted: I’ve learned how to code a robot, as well as how to design and build it.

    JJ: How to be a good friend and be supportive; I’ve also learned about coding, and with the innovation project, I learned about different aspects of the community in Vermont.

    Why is challenging yourself so important?

    Arielle: It is important to challenge yourself.  If no one ever did there wouldn’t have been anyone to invent things like iPhones and rocket ships or even the U.S.A.

    Emilyn: Challenging myself is important because when things are hard to do, I learn more.  It is mega fun to challenge myself.

    Ted: Challenging yourself helps you build up confidence to try new things. It helps you get better at things that used to seem impossible.

    JJ: My brain works so fast that I need a challenge to keep myself engaged. When I challenge myself, I realize that I can do things that are hard.

    Next, we asked the parents to share their perspective about how getting involved with FIRST Lego League has impacted their families.

    How has participating in FIRST Lego League benefitted these young students?

    FLL has given each team member a new view of themselves, both as individuals capable of new challenges and as part of a cohesive and supportive team.   It has allowed them so many new and valuable experiences, and they have gained many new life skills along the way. They have learned how to be part of a team, how to overcome challenges, and how to problem solve. I’ve seen my son’s confidence grow since joining this team, as I’ve watched him tackle new things that are out of his comfort zone, with his team supporting him. My daughter has excelled at staying calm and focused in the midst of high-stress competition; she has become much more confident in her ability to do hard things and to solve challenging open-ended problems together with her team. Participating in robotics has opened doors of possibility for her, and I’m certain that the skills she is learning will be greatly beneficial for her future career and life goals, no matter what she chooses to pursue.

    What is something that you learned, or surprised you, as a coach/parent about First Lego League that other parents/teachers should know about?

    We just had no idea how big of a movement the FIRST Lego League is! We’re continually impressed at the skills these kids have and know these experiences will serve them well in life. We didn’t realize how important FIRST Lego League would be to these kids at such a young age and what an impact it would make on their interests and development.  The FLL Challenge provides integrated learning across so many areas – engineering, math, art, design, writing, communication, teamwork, innovation, science, coding, presentation skills, networking, community building – the possibilities are endless.

    How has participating affected you as a coach/parent? Have you grown or changed in any way?

    Learning to work with group dynamics in our own home basement has been valuable for us as a family. It’s a wonderful platform to be able to support kids and families in such a fun yet meaningful outlet. It’s been fun to learn a bit more about coding and technology and to have the kids teach us new things!

    Is FIRST Lego League something other parents and teachers should consider getting involved with? Why?

    This has been a great experience for my son, and I would definitely recommend it for other families who are on the fence about it. As a homeschooling family, it has been great to be able to participate in a group project, where my son can make friends and develop important teamwork skills. There are so many different facets of the FLL Challenge, from coding to technology development, community relations, and details such as shirts, team support material, and even snacks! There is room for involvement at any level, especially for our small team. Participating in FLL gives our kids valuable skills that will serve them well in throughout their lives and future careers.  It shows them a world of possibility and the challenging and the integrated nature of the competition teaches them so much more than we ever anticipated.

    Green Mountain Homeschool Robotics recently won the State Championship for FIRST Lego League for the second year in a row, and have been invited to represent Vermont in the World Championships in Houston, TX in April! They are currently fundraising to help make this trip possible. Money raised will be used to cover event registration costs, travel, lodging, and meals. Any extra funds would be used to support the upcoming summer camp for blind students hosted by the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

    You can Contribute Here, and if you’d like to follow along during the World Championships the team plans to post periodic updates on the team’s Facebook Page.

  • Sewing For Success With CVOEO

    Sewing For Success With CVOEO

    [vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]This past October Generator partnered with the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO) to offer free sewing training and micro business coaching to members of the Greater Burlington New American community.  

    The idea for this program was born from the New American community’s request for support in establishing sewing-based businesses. The goal being to alleviate the financial burden of purchasing traditional clothing while simultaneously opening up new opportunities for additional sources of income for their families.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”13291″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”13295″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/3″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”13292″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1701890267593{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]The program consisted of two groups of participants–six Nepali speakers and seven Swahili speakers–each supported by community ambassadors who provided interpretation. The groups spent three Saturdays at Generator learning about their machines and different techniques. Participants learned how to sew button holes and zippers, and worked through the steps to create a tote bag. As part of the program each participant also received their own sewing machine, which they used during the trainings and were able to take home at the end of the program to continue their learning and making.

    CVOEO’s Micro Business Coach, Pacificique Nsengiyumva, attended the final workshop session to connect with participants and offer advice on starting their own business.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”13293″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1704294141191{margin-top: 30px !important;margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Jeremia Seopas came to Winooski from South Sudan where he had worked as a tailor for 50 years. He shared:

    I want to open a business. The challenge has been being new to the community and not knowing anyone. Back home, I had a center. People would bring materials and I would create designs.

    I am getting more comfortable with an electronic machine. In the past, I used a manual pedal machine. This kind of sewing knowledge is needed. I know how to fix machines in the future. I would love to open a center to keep teaching this group.

    Jeremia connected with Pacificique Nsengiyumva, CVOEO’s Business Coach, and will begin 1:1 coaching sessions in the months ahead.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”13294″ alignment=”center” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1702054078793{margin-top: 30px !important;}”]This program was made possible by the Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP), a grant administered by the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC), and  generous donation from Janes Trust allowed for the purchase of sewing machines for participants. 

    Please consider taking some time to learn more about CVOEO and their Micro Business Development Program (MBDP). They are doing incredible work and could use your attention and support.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Generator Launches New VT MakerSchools Program

    Generator Launches New VT MakerSchools Program

    Meeting a Critical Need

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    Generator is proud to announce the launch of our new VT MakerSchools program.

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    Supported by a $365,000 grant from the US Department of Education, this program will guide the buildout of six makerspaces in rural Vermont secondary schools, as well as provide makerspace professional development to Vermont educators and establish a dedicated classroom at Generator to serve as a model learning space for both efforts.

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    “Vermont has a critical need to expand opportunities in STEAM education and workforce development in manufacturing, prototyping, and innovative technologies. This program represents a significant investment in Vermont’s future,” says Meg Hammond, Executive Director of Generator. “We’re extremely thankful to the US Department of Education for supporting this critical work, and for former Senator Leahy and his office for advocating for our project in Congress.”

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    Six Schools, Three Years of Support

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    The VT MakerSchools program is a three-year initiative to support selected schools across the state to develop, implement, and sustain makerspace programs to meet the following goals: (1) increase access to emerging technologies and STEAM education; (2) provide professional development training for Vermont educators on makerspace tech; (3) build pathways to post-secondary opportunities for high school graduates; and (4) provide greater access for rural communities to high-paying jobs in technical fields.

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    The first phase of the project outfitted and established a dedicated makerspace classroom at the Generator facility, complete with laser cutters, 3D printers, a CNC router, a vinyl cutter, and a computer lab with advanced 3D design software. This space will serve as a model classroom and will support ongoing professional development for Vermont educators.

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    Generator launched the program this spring with six partner schools:

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    • Bellows Falls Union High School
    • Harwood Union Middle High School
    • Hazen Union School
    • Main Street Middle School
    • White River Valley Middle School
    • Williston Central School

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    “Access to a makerspace creates opportunities to develop a student’s skills and experience, spark a personal interest, and even foster a desire to explore career pathways previously not considered,” says Angela Selvaggio, a teacher from Harwood Union Middle High School. “Teachers are already having conversations about how a makerspace within a school building can shift and elevate the learning experiences for our students. We look forward to working with the experts at Generator to make this happen.”

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    Fostering a MakerSchool Community

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    On June 22 MakerSchool partners convened at Generator to connect with fellow colleagues, explore the makerspace, and establish a learning community made up of educators, principals, superintendents, and school board members. 

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    “We all understand that makerspaces build a community of learners that share knowledge, think critically about complex problems, and design creative solutions through experimentation. We’re excited to be able to foster this community of like-minded learners from across the state,” says Veronica Newton, Generator Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships.

  • Introducing STEEAM

    Introducing STEEAM

    STEEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Math

    [divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]By this point, most of us have heard of STEM: the acronym coined by the National Science Foundation in the early 2000s to refer to science, technology, engineering, and math. 

    The original intent behind integrating a STEM education into schools was to provide students with the critical thinking skills needed to make them better creative problem solvers, as their multidisciplinary background would allow for problem solving from a variety of angles. 

    Since the inception of STEM, however, both the approach to a multidisciplinary education – and the acronym have grown. Most schools and organizations now use the acronym STEAM rather than STEM, an approach inclusive of the arts in a well-rounded education. 

    At Generator, we are taking it one step further. We exist at the intersection of art, science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our cross-disciplinary approach incorporates much more than just STEM. Thus, at Generator, STEEAM was born: Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Math. 

    To understand the significance of this new acronym, it helps to understand more of the its history. [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]

    STEM’s Roots

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]As previously mentioned, STEM was introduced by the National Science Foundation in 2001. But what happened after that? 

    The acronym largely remained dormant until President Obama launched the “Education to Innovate” campaign in 2009, an effort to increase nationwide achievement for students in science and math. 

    “Reaffirming and strengthening America’s role as the world’s engine of scientific discovery and technological innovation is essential to meeting the challenges of this century,” said President Obama. “That’s why I am committed to making the improvement of STEM education over the next decade a national priority.” 

    And he did, announcing initiatives including the annual White House science fair; commitments from high profile leaders, including Sally Ride, to support STEM education; and creating media partnerships set to inspire over ten million students.

    Then, in 2013, STEM became STEAM. John Maeda, former president of Rhode Island School of Art and Design, wrote an op-ed for Seattle Times championing the importance of the arts in education. “There is great power in these fields [design and technology] taken separately, and even more when they are put together,” he wrote.[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]

    Why STEEAM?

    [/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]So, why the progression of the acronym from STEAM to STEEAM? 

    As Marilyn Reznick, Chair of The Bay & Paul Foundation, said at a recent event at Generator, “it is Generator’s entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in practical reality, that enables it to not only create effective educational programs but contribute to community development as well.” 

    This entrepreneurial spirit is a combination of resourcefulness, forward-thinking, persistence, and collaboration. Entrepreneurism, at its core, is the act of bringing ideas into realities – which, when you think about it, is a lot like the act of making.

    At Generator, we believe that entrepreneurial skills are invaluable in today’s world, equally important as the mathematical, artistic, and other skills reflected in the STEAM acronym. The entrepreneurial skill set isn’t just relevant to those who plan on starting their own business – financial literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to take risks are desirable qualities in any field. Entrepreneurs excel in initiative, collaboration, and perseverance. They are the type of worker that employers seek.

    That’s why we see entrepreneurship as integral to our education philosophy, our culture and our programs. 

    Everyone has good ideas, and good ideas can change the world. An entrepreneur will make those good ideas happen.[/vc_column_text]