Our popular STREAM program had a summer session, including a fascinating project done thanks to the creativity, ingenuity, and talents of Art Teacher Jill Schifter.
Watching news reports about refugee camps, Jill came up with an idea to prompt students to make a shoe that would work for all different types of weather conditions.
Working in two teams during the month of July, students (incoming 6th graders) contemplated the problem _ a lack of good shoes in developing nations during disasters _ and the fallout. They came up with ideas on what would work, and brainstormed designs and materials. They made clay models and then prototypes.
During the project, a little bit of research pointed Jill toward an incredible company, The Shoe that Grows which makes shoes that expand five sizes, providing needy children with necessary foot protection around the world. She reached out to the company’s owners to tell them about the LCCS STREAM project and one of the company officials was eager to connect.Working in two teams during the month of July, students contemplated the problem (a lack of good shoes in developing nations during disasters) and the fallout. They came up with ideas on what would work, and brainstormed designs and materials. They made clay models and then prototypes.Watching news reports about refugee camps, Jill came up with an idea to prompt students to make a shoe that would work for all different types of weather conditions.
This fall, the STREAM club plans to Skype with company officials from The Shoe That Grows to learn more about designing with a purpose.
“Thanks for the reply and everything you shared. It inspires us as well! Loved reading the details and seeing what the kids came up with. I hope you inspire them to use their talents and creative efforts to continue to be a driving force for good in the world!”
Andrew Kroes, The Shoe that Grows
Thanks to Jill for creating this experience this summer, and congrats to our STREAM students for their hard work!
