Franklin STEAM Academy encourages students to explore new possibilities

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — At Franklin STEAM Academy, students are learning all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and also Art.

Magnet Site Coordinator Zanne Newman said they try to find the best for students.

“Having the STEAM grant has afforded us first of all a lot of training for our teachers in project-based learning. We all know kids are fidgety, but you get them doing something with their hands and collaborating as a group, they are so much more engaged,” said Newman.

Principal Dave Mast believes they're setting students up to succeed for the future at Franklin.

“There’s a lot of critical thinking with a lot of these skills that students are going to need," said Mast. "As technology is advancing more and more, we’re just wanting to make sure that we’re preparing our kids for the real world.”

Their goal is to encourage students to consider careers in STEAM fields.

“There’s a lot of critical thinking with a lot of these skills that students are going to need. As technology is advancing more and more, we’re just wanting to make sure that we’re preparing our kids for the real world,” said Newman.