Paige & Paxton STEM Make-a-thon (NYC)

Paige & Paxton STEM Make-a-thons one of the best STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) educational experiences that a kid, ages 4 to 7, can have!

These super fun and intentionally crafted experiences feature a day full of STEM challenges for kids, ages 4 to 7, based on characters and storylines from the Paige & Paxton children's book series.

How it works

Children are exposed to some of the best and brightest minds in STEM for a day that they surely won’t forget. Children engage in 3-4 problem-solving experiences that feature the characters Paige & Paxton. Experiences are led by STEM and education experts and will range from the basis of scientific inquiry and observation, to engineering design and geometry principles.

Event Schedule 

10:00 am    Check In & Registration

10:30 am    Kick-Off/Opening Remarks

11:00 am    STEM Challenges Begin! + STEM Workshop for Parents

12:00 pm    Break / Lunch

1:00 pm      STEM Challenges Continue with Kids & Parents!

3:00 pm      Wrap Up 

Why should a kid attend?

• Get to make a lot of cool stuff
  
• Don’t have to sit in your seat or be quiet
  
• Get to make a mess and even mess up without getting in trouble

What are the requirments?

• Be a kid, ages 4-7
  
• Like to make things
  
• Want to learn new things and new ways of doing things
  
• Willing to make a mess
  
• Have made at least one mistake in their lifetime
  
• Willing to learn and share with other kids

Where did the concept come from?

The concept of the Make-a-thon derives from the do-it-your-self spirit of the “maker’s movement” and Silicon Valley hackathons. Here the term "hack" is used in the sense of playful, exploratory programming, not its alternate meaning as a reference to computer crime. The foundation of both movements is showing the power of creativity and collaboration to solve pressing problems in our society. While Make-a-thons typically consist of adult professionals across an array of technical and artistic industries, this model is rarely applied to students as young as 4 years old.

We believe in the power of children

We know that young children already think scientifically and have an engineering mindset. They are constantly investigating how the world works and are active problem solvers. We believe in the power of establishing a foundation of STEM learning by building upon the strength that young children already bring to the table.

Who else participates?

• STEM practitioners lead the station projects and guide the kids through the scientific and engineering design processes
• Classroom helpers lend a helping hand with the kids and projects and leave with new ideas and approaches to implement in their classrooms immediately
• Parents come with their children, stay and participate in the experience and leave with tips and tools to foster a STEM mindset at home

Interested in volunteering? Reach out to us at events@paigeandpaxton.com. 

Thank you to our partners at General Assembly for hosting us at their awesome location!

About General Assembly

Established in early 2011 as an innovative community in New York City for entrepreneurs and startup companies, General Assembly is an educational institution that transforms thinkers into creators through education in technology, business and design at fourteen campuses across four continents. Learn more at https://generalassemb.ly.