From advanced coding, design and fabrication skills, to creativity, cooperation and compassion, Ma’ayanot’s 10th grade STEAM curriculum has it all. In this pioneering program, envisioned and executed by Reyce Krause, Ma’ayanot’s Director of STEAM Curriculum, together with STEAM teacher Esther Brodsky (Ma’ayanot ‘18), Ma’ayanot students are paired with a young student with visual impairment or other learning challenges, and consult with educators to discuss their specific needs. The 10th graders then work in teams, in Ma’ayanot’s fully equipped Makerspace, to create an accessible, educational and enjoyable toy, tailored to a specific child at SCHI in Lakewood, Elmwood Park School, or JEWELS in Baltimore. The toys have lights, bright colors and varied shapes and textures, all conceived, designed, programmed, 3-D printed and laser-cut by Ma’ayanot 10th graders.

In May, students shared their projects with three distinct audiences. First, Ma’ayanot faculty and ninth graders at Ma’ayanot visited the Makerspace to learn about each toy from its team of sophomore builders. Head of School Mrs. CB Neugroschl declared, “I am so proud of our program and the chance for students to inspire one another!” Freshman Leezy Katz affirmed, “We are learning to code this year, and it’s exciting to see what we will be able to do next year!” Ma’ayanot parents also enjoyed the STEAM Expo, organized by STEAM Programming Coordinator Esther Slomnicki, where they had the opportunity to admire and learn about the projects their daughters have been working on for months.

Finally, in the most rewarding culmination of their months of work, Ma’ayanot sophomores traveled to the three schools to give the device to the student for whom they created it. Sophomore Nikki Zimbalist reported, “It was so special to see our student engage with the toy we made. Her joy made everyone in my group smile!” Mrs. Shuli Bamberger, Director of JEWELS, raved, “Everyone here is so impressed, literally blown away, by the kindness, creativity and skill that went into creating each of these unique toys!” At Ma’ayanot, the skills students learn—whether teamwork, innovation or engineering—benefit not only the students themselves, but the wider community as well!