By Beth Taylor
Making STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education a fun, participatory experience is the goal of Engineering for Kids franchise operators Brandon and Pam Thalmann.
While in pursuit of finding a joint business venture, the Thalmanns found inspiration in their three young sons’ interests in building and construction. Much research led to the opportunity to become the operators of the Engineering for Kids Indianapolis franchise. With many area schools looking to increase STEM opportunities, the timing couldn’t have been better.
“I contacted Purdue about possibly getting something together, but the Engineering for Kids experience is exactly what I had been wanting for our students,” said Assistant Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer. “We’ve received positive feedback from both students and parents with the initial clubs in the participating schools.”
Over 200 students from six Hamilton Southeastern schools have enrolled in the after-school Engineering for Kids club programs. The Thalmanns plan to expand the program.
“We’re looking to meet with the school in which we currently don’t have classes offered to provide more opportunities for students beginning next fall,” said Brandon.
“We like the idea of being able to introduce engineering concepts in the early years so that kids can explore different aspects of it. Engineering develops critical thinking and designing abilities,” he said.
Popular after-school classes include Lego robotics, video game design, and mechanical engineering.
“These classes engage our kids in higher-level, innovative thinking to align them for careers after they leave HSE schools,” said Neidermeyer.
Engineering for Kids also provides half-day summer camps with themes such as the engineering of pirates, robotics battles, and the engineering of cities. Camps will be held at Cumberland Road Elementary and Fall Creek Elementary schools.
“Children really enjoy our Lego courses because they get a chance to experiment and take their love of Legos to the next level. One of our Lego classes ends with a giant robot battle in which they program their robots to knock the other robot out of a ring,” said Pam.
To find out more about Engineering for Kids camps and classes go to engineeringforkids.com/location/indianapolis/camps.
