Padua received a $3,179 STEM grant from the Toshiba America Foundation (TAF). These funds will support the Raspberry Pi and Physical Computing Workshop for MyTrack Computer Science students.
Toshiba grant funds were used to purchase raspberry pi devices, starter kits, and mini monitors to add an element of “physical computing” to our premier MyTrack Computer Science curriculum. Physical computing in an educational setting provides students with the chance to work, not only with programming (or software), but also the actual components that comprise a complete system. With a raspberry pi device-based activity, a student will start with a general-purpose lifeless piece of hardware in a box and end with a tangible solution to a specific problem. Students will also develop the experience to be able to strip the raspberry pi back down and build a new solution to a different problem.
“Padua is extremely excited to add this hands on learning opportunity to our MyTrack Computer Science curriculum,” said Principal David Stec ’86. “Helping students bring concepts from the textbook into the real world helps solidify their technological knowledge and skills as they prepare for college and beyond! Thank you to the Toshiba America Foundation for this investment to enhance our STEM programs.”
About MyTrack
MyTrack is a career exploration program open to all Padua students with interest in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Law and Studio Art. Click here to learn more about the MyTrack programs.
About TAF
Toshiba America Foundation’s grants fund projects designed by individual classroom teachers. This “direct-to-teacher” approach brings immediate results. Teachers are able to change the way they teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects because the grant supports equipment for hands-on experiments and inquiry-based approaches to the curriculum. At TAF, we believe that STEM is a lot more fun than just reading a textbook. TAF grants provide teachers with the tools they need to be more effective educators. The grants make the classroom a more exciting place for both teachers and students.
