In this episode of STEAM Sparks – Think STEAM Careers Podcast, I spoke with Anthony Hall, HISP, aka Grandpa STORK. Grandpa STORK is the founder of Grandpa STORK's House of Flying Dragons - Play-based Learning Space & Innovation Lab: "Where Education is Child's Play and Technology is a Game" #Talks about #fitness, #cybersecurity, #spaceindustry, #sportstechnology, and #gamebasedlearning. We had the privilege of exploring his inspiring journey as an innovative entrepreneur who is seamlessly merging the realms of art, technology, and education to ignite creativity and learning. Grandpa is deeply immersed in the space industry and cybersecurity.
During this insightful discussion, Grandpa STORK shared valuable insights on his visionary project known as the "Eden 3 Mars Colony." This endeavor goes beyond just constructing a physical space; it serves as a dynamic vehicle for education and training.
My guest highlighted the significance of dreaming big and reaching for the stars, emphasizing that the journey holds as much value as the destination. Grandpa STORK also made a profound observation. He stated that the level of engagement of young minds in STEM or STEAM fields hinges on how education is presented to them. As he puts it, it's a matter of how it's distributed. If we don't engagingly engage underrepresented communities, we miss out on tremendous potential."
As we all know, NASA is gearing up for Mars missions, and private companies like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic are pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Grandpa also referred to as Tony Grampa, is here to share his vision for the future of STEM education and how we can engage BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities in these exciting fields. Today, I have the pleasure of introducing you to a remarkable individual known as
Grandpa's journey began when he became a grandfather 19 years ago, sparking a deep reflection on how he could help his grandchildren and future generations discover their talents and align them with the needs of industries like space and technology. He realized that creative thinking, diverse perspectives, and curiosity were essential for young people to become innovators rather than just consumers.
Inspired by this vision, Grandpa embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between education and play. He envisioned a platform to inspire and educate young minds, igniting their curiosity and creativity. This journey led to the House of Flying Dragons, a play-based learning and innovation lab.
Grandpa's House of Flying Dragons is designed to be a pop-up innovation lab and a play-based learning space. It's a place where children can explore, experiment, and learn through interactive games and activities. The aim is to make STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education more accessible and engaging for young learners. Grandpa believes that education should be about nurturing individuality and inspiring innovation.
One of the exciting projects within the House of Flying Dragons is the Dragon's Egg, which involves using acronyms and real names to teach coding, programming, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Grandpa's approach is to simplify complex concepts and make learning a dynamic and interactive experience. By using games and activities, he aims to help children discover their unique talents and superpowers.
Grandpa's journey also took him on extensive travels, visiting more than 20 countries and living in eight. Through these experiences, he observed the challenges and opportunities in STEM education, especially in marginalized communities. He realized that even with limited resources, creativity, and imagination could play a significant role in engaging students in STEM/STEAM fields.
Grandpa's approach to education resonated with diverse communities around the world. Whether in the mountains of Tanzania or the slums of India, his pop-up learning space was universally accepted. Grandpa STORK's belief that nature is a powerful teacher and that simplicity can be the key to effective education has been proven through his travels.
As we reflect on STEM/STEAM education in the United States, where representation of BIPOC communities in STEM/STEAM fields remains disproportionately low, we can draw inspiration from Grandpa STORK's journey. The House of Flying Dragons and the Rose Rockets international STEAM team offer a vision of inclusivity and accessibility in STEM/STEAM education. Grandpa STORK's belief in the power of curiosity, imagination, and play to inspire the next generation of innovators can guide us in our efforts to engage and uplift underrepresented communities in STEM.
As we continued with our conversation, we set the stage for further discussion by highlighting the central themes of our video podcast, which was space art, education, and human potential. The core idea is that these seemingly distinct realms can intersect and complement each other. The concept of using space art as a tool for education and inspiration is forward thinking. The discussion further revolved around the vision of creating an innovative space art project that not only builds a Mars Colony but also serves as a vehicle for education and human development. Let's explore some key insights from this conversation.
Space Art as a Vehicle for Education and Inspiration
One of the central themes that emerged from our discussion above is that space art can be more than just aesthetics; it can be a tool for education and inspiration. As articulated in one of his remarks, "So the space art represents the vehicle to get to the Eden 3 Mars Colony as well as doing the training and education of the ones who will be part of this grand vision and effort." This quote highlights the dual role of space art: not only does it envision the destination, but it also serves as a means to engage and educate individuals.
In this section of the video podcast, we delve deeper into the concept of space art as an educational and inspirational vehicle. The quote emphasizes that space art isn't just about creating visual representations; it's a means to involve people in the journey of building a Mars Colony. The importance of engagement and education as fundamental aspects of this vision is stressed, underlining how space art can play a pivotal role in both.
Revolutionizing STEM and STEAM Education
The conversation also discussed the importance of making STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or STEAM (adding Arts to STEM) education engaging and accessible to all. It was noted that the level of engagement in STEM or STEAM subjects among students isn't solely determined by inherent interest but by how these subjects are presented. "If it's not being presented in a way that is engaging, we have underrepresented communities," one participant emphasized. This insight underscores the significance of reimagining educational approaches to make them inclusive and captivating.
In this section of the video podcast, we elaborate on the challenges in STEM and STEAM education, emphasizing that engagement and inclusivity are key factors. The quote highlights the issue of underrepresentation in these fields and suggests that it's not due to a lack of interest but rather how the subjects are taught. The message is that a more engaging and inclusive approach to education can bridge this gap.
The Power of Hands-on, Experiential Learning:
The power of hands-on, experiential learning was another key takeaway from the conversation. An anecdote from a school in Germany illustrated this beautifully. A fourth-grade class engaged in an art, fitness, and literacy project involving space-themed activities. They painted their own "dragon's egg" (a space art element), participated in dragon-themed fitness exercises, and had a blast. This hands-on approach highlighted the universal appeal of interactive learning, transcending language and cultural barriers.
In this section of the video podcast, we discussed the effectiveness of hands-on learning using a real-world example from a school in Germany. The anecdote paints a vivid picture of how students embraced space-themed activities, demonstrating that interactive learning transcends language and cultural differences. This highlights the universal appeal of experiential education.
Embracing the Creative Process and Patience:
Our conversation also shed some light on the creative process of Eden 3 Mars Colony and the notion that innovation doesn't adhere to strict timelines. According to Granpa STORK, creating Eden 3 Mars Colony took a long time. He once asked me, "You know why it takes so long? I didn't want to hurry it. I wanted to give it its entity, its own life." This perspective challenges the prevailing rapid development mindset and emphasizes allowing ideas and projects to evolve naturally.
In this section of the video podcast, we also explore embracing the creative process and the need for patience in innovation. The quote emphasizes the speaker's deliberate choice not to rush the project, allowing it to develop organically. This contrasts with the typical hurried approach to development and encourages readers to consider the benefits of a more patient and organic creative process.
Entrepreneurial Responsibility and Community Partnerships:
According to Grandpa STORK, the responsibility of entrepreneurs in creating products and services that add value to communities was a recurring theme. The conversation emphasized the need to view these communities not as mere financial sources but as partners in a shared journey. "We have a responsibility to the community that we're looking to deliver our products and services to, and that it should be a continued value," one participant noted. This perspective promotes a more ethical and sustainable approach to entrepreneurship.
In this section of the video podcast, we explore the ethical responsibility of entrepreneurs towards the communities they serve. The quote underscores the idea that communities should be viewed as partners rather than just sources of revenue. This highlights the importance of creating products and services that genuinely benefit and add value to these communities, fostering a more sustainable and ethical approach to entrepreneurship.
In Conclusion: Unlocking Human Potential:
In conclusion, this podcast conversation revealed the transformative potential of space art, the importance of engaging education, and the value of inclusivity in STEM and STEAM subjects. It underscored the universal appeal of hands-on learning and the significance of allowing creativity to evolve naturally. Moreover, it highlighted the ethical responsibility of entrepreneurs to benefit the communities they serve. As we explore the intersection of space art, education, and human potential, it's clear that these endeavors can propel us toward a future limited only by our imagination.
In the final analysis, I will recap the key takeaways from the conversation and emphasize the transformative potential of the discussed topics. For example, the conclusion reinforces that space art, education, and ethical entrepreneurship can collectively unlock human potential and drive us toward a limitless future.
In terms of entrepreneurship, Grandpa STORK said, it's not just about developing capabilities; it's also about uncovering limitations. I've drawn inspiration from various sources, like CEO and lean development principles, in shaping how I want my company to operate. There's immense potential, and as entrepreneurs, we bear a responsibility to our communities. We shouldn't view them as ATMs but as partners in a continuous value exchange.
According to Grandpa STORK, his journey to founding his company started with creating transcription applications for his grandkids. He wanted these games to be captivating and adaptable and grow with them. They began at an elementary level, working on a chalkboard, and now they're advancing into AI with large language models.
Although the goal is to offer a broad playing field, catering to diverse interests, whether the kids enjoy word games, programming, or storytelling, ultimately, it's about providing a platform for the full expression of identity for me and those who engage with these creations, according to Grandpa STORK.
Grandpa's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of STEAM education. His commitment to creating accessible and engaging learning experiences highlights the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity in young minds. As we strive for greater diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, let us remember Grandpa's journey and the lessons he has shared with us: that education is a bridge to innovation and that every child, regardless of their background, has the potential to reach for the stars.
Authored by Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D.
Think STEM Careers! You Have the Opportunity to Create the Future and the Privilege of Deciding What’s in It! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD
Excel in Learning. Excel in Life.
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