Buckle up and hang on as Mary Bruce Clemons unpacks the topic of STEAM in this idea conversation. Many will remember Mary from her hero episode where she journeyed from Harley sales to engineering and for those that missed it you'll quickly pick up on her passion for industry.  Many are familiar with STEM initiatives and Mary explains how the "A" (which is where arts are introduced) is where true connection can be made with so many young minds.

She breaks down how modern medicine would not be what it is today without the focus on arts and how doctors communicate visually to solve the most complex problems.  As far as when to start concentrating efforts with the next generation she suggests that around eight years old is a great age to begin introducing these concepts.  At that age they can handle critical thought and problem solving and most importantly their egos won't hold them back from embracing these areas and growing individually.

Mary explains how she's been involved with STEAM Day and the impact that it made on the kids and the community.  From K-12 thousands of kids came together to learn about many of the areas of STEAM and who knows the future paths that were paved.  It's about getting hands on and bringing the concepts to life and with the right support and focus events like these make a tremendous impact.

Grab your kids and listen to this fun filled conversation that could change their life.

Guest: Mary Bruce Clemons - Industrial Controls Technician at TW Controls

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets
Podcast Editor: Andi Thrower

TW Controls

STEAM initiatives:

Steam Day: 

https://eng.vt.edu/steam-day-2020.html

Local education institutions contribute content and engagement to a wide range of regional youth k-12 via an annual trade show and interactive experience in Roanoke, Virginia. Hosted by Virginia Polytechnic Institute at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, Taubman Fine Art Museum, and the Virginia Transportation Museum. 

 Virginia Education Strategies: 

https://virginiaedstrategies.org/

Grant writing agency dedicated to connecting education and industry by navigating educational and manufacturing institutions.

Mini Maker Faire: 

https://roanoke.makerfaire.com/

https://makerfaire.com/makerfairehistory/

“Maker Faire” is a global brand that local areas can work under as a wagon wheel initiative brand. These events are held locally and are built by their communities to connect with children to increase industry in the long term.

STEAM Academies in SWVA:

Science Museum of Western Virginia:
https://smwv.org/

Vector Space:
https://vector-space.org/

Habitat for Humanity:
https://www.habitat.org/

Podcasts:

Ologies with Alie Ward:
https://www.alieward.com/ologies

Box of Oddities:
https://www.theboxofoddities.co