05/02/2024
Dear Educators and Teachers,
Welcome to Beyond the Beanstalk, where the seeds of innovation are sown in the fertile soil of creativity! Today, we're excited to share the story behind our founder's journey and the inspiration that led to the creation of our unique STEM programs aimed at educators from early years to high school.
A Personal Journey from Educator to Beyond:
I have walked in the shoes of educators and understands the challenges of navigating the educational landscape. With a background in early years education and experience as a Centre Manager in Out of School Hours Care (OSHC), I know the ropes of creating engaging learning environments.
However, I also faced a common hurdle - budget restrictions. The dream of providing
children with cutting-edge STEM experiences was hindered by financial constraints. Determined to overcome this challenge, I often turned to the art of improvisation and a dash of thinking out side the box... or beyond the beanstalk if you will.
Creativity Unleashed:
In the world of education, creativity knows no bounds. I discovered that with a dash of ingenuity, everyday items could be transformed into tools for exploration and learning. Through clever improvisation, I was able to bring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into the classroom without breaking the bank.
Some simply foil patty pans and pom pom, became flying saucers. Some DIY puffy salt paint suddenly had us creating 3D Moon surface pictures. A simple garden gazebo, black bed sheets were the foundation for a haunted house and some wire and scraps of cloth became a posable mummy.
Duke of Edinburgh Award Days:
Think back on it now, I think a lot of the "creativity" I drew upon could be in direct response to my time doing community service for the Duke of Edinburgh award. During this time, to qualify, I started to assist Jennie Young, (now Co-founder of Beyond the Beanstalk) with her after school club, the infamous Space Club.
As a high school teacher and now author of "The ST(E)AM Book," Jennie's ability to create captivating projects with her Space Club left a mark on me. A box of hula hoops became an underwater space station, a can of discarded paint became the backdrop for some out of this world video adventures. A simple piece of cardboard tubing, hot glue and balsa wood saw these children creating their very own rockets.
This experience became a catalyst for shaping future Beyond the Beanstalk programs for children.
The Birth of Beyond the Beanstalk:
The core idea that STEM could thrive anywhere, even in the absence of specialised equipment, became the driving force behind Beyond the Beanstalk. Jennie and I both envisioned a platform that would empower educators to embrace STEM education with minimal resources. The belief that every child deserves access to quality STEM experiences led to the birth of Beyond the Beanstalk. It was STEM before STEM was even a thing.
Our Mission: Empower, Engage, and Excite:
Beyond the Beanstalk is more than STEM programs; it's a movement to revolutionise education. We're on a mission to empower educators with the tools and knowledge to ignite a passion for STEM in every student. To look beyond the book. Our programs are designed to be accessible, flexible, and tailored to various age groups, from early years to high school.
Join us on this incredible journey as we sow the seeds of curiosity, nurture the spirit of innovation, and cultivate the minds of future scientists, engineers, and creators.
Visit www.beyondthebeanstalk.com.au to explore the possibilities and embark on a STEM adventure like never before!
Let's go beyond the ordinary and cultivate a future filled with endless possibilities!
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, with over 15 years of invaluable education experience, is the co-founder of Beyond the Beanstalk. Her rich background in education, coupled with a passion for innovative learning environments propels Beyond the Beanstalk's mission of inspiring educators and students alike. With a wealth of expertise, Elizabeth is dedicated to revolutionising education and making STEM accessible for all.
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