Inspired by What If...Nebraska, the Fremont-based pilot fosters creativity, problem-solving and media skills.
During Innovator Makerspace events at Keene Memorial Library in Fremont, kids are thinking big and learning about innovation.
The pilot project is built on the concept of taking middle school-aged kids through a process to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, build prototypes and record their own product pitches.
It’s an extension of Innovator Insights that were inspired by our What If…Nebraska television series, according to Matt Heusman, a K-12 education specialist on Nebraska Public Media’s education team.
He says they start with something simple, like thinking about how a robot could simplify their daily routine. “The best part is watching a kid come up with an idea from conception to completion.
The process empowers them to be confident and builds their skills in media,” said Heusman, who specifically recalls the change in one participant.
“When we started, she was quiet, but you could see her confidence really shine in the final product pitch.”
So far, Keene has hosted three full sessions of 30 kids each. “Keene invites us to experiment, so we can meet every child where they are at. You don’t have to know how to code or be into robotics,” said Heusman.
The team hopes to scale up the concept at other libraries and schools in the future.